Baked Penne with Broccoli and Three Cheeses
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Baked Penne with Broccoli and Three Cheeses—an irresistible combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and wholesome broccoli, all baked to golden perfection. This recipe features tender penne pasta and vibrant broccoli florets, coated in a velvety sauce made from mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. A crispy breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunch to every bite. Ideal for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings, this easy-to-make baked pasta dish is ready in under an hour and serves six. With wholesome ingredients, a creamy texture, and a touch of garlic and red pepper flakes for oomph, your family will savor every bite of this hearty crowd-pleaser.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 unit garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and stir well to form a paste. Cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to stir constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine the cooked pasta and broccoli with the cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Toss until the pasta and broccoli are evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the pasta.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, comforting Baked Penne with Broccoli and Three Cheeses!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2960 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 121.6 g | 156% | |
| Saturated Fat | 59.2 g | 296% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 281 mg | 94% | |
| Sodium | 3807 mg | 166% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 330.9 g | 120% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.9 g | 85% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.1 g | ||
| Protein | 153.7 g | 307% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2714 mg | 209% | |
| Iron | 19.0 mg | 106% | |
| Potassium | 748 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
