Say hello to your new favorite weeknight dinner hero the No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake! This dish is comfort food magic in a single pan: tender pasta, crisp-tender broccoli, a creamy, cheesy sauce, and a golden, bubbly top. And the best part? You don’t even have to boil the pasta first! Everything cooks together in the oven, soaking up all those dreamy flavors while you sit back and let it do its thing. This is the kind of cozy, one-dish wonder that feels like a hug in a baking dish. Trust me, it’s a total game-changer.

Why You’ll Love No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: A perfect all-in-one meal, or serve it alongside salad and bread for a hearty spread.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients and pantry staples.
Quick and Easy: No need to pre-boil pasta or dirty multiple pots it all comes together in one dish.
Customizable: Use any cheese, add extra veggies, or throw in some leftover chicken or sausage.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake

This bake is pure comfort creamy, cheesy, and loaded with goodness, all without the hassle of pre-cooking pasta.

Dry Pasta: Choose a short pasta like penne or rotini that holds up well in baking.
Broccoli Florets: Adds a fresh, slightly crisp contrast and sneaks in some green goodness.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty, and bold the star of the cheesy sauce.
Mozzarella Cheese: For that gooey, stretchy cheese pull everyone loves.
Cream or Milk: Brings the creaminess you can go heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk.
Garlic: For an aromatic, savory kick that rounds out the sauce.
Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and flavor to help cook the pasta right in the dish.
Butter: A must for richness and flavor.
Salt and Pepper: To season the sauce just right.
Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes, breadcrumbs, or a sprinkle of Parmesan on top.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together broth, cream (or milk), garlic, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Stir in uncooked pasta and broccoli.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading everything out evenly.

Assemble the Dish: Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top. If using breadcrumbs or Parmesan, sprinkle those on now too.

Cook to Perfection: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40–45 minutes, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until golden and bubbly on top.

Finishing Touches: Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set slightly and makes it easier to scoop.

Serve and Enjoy: Dish it up warm and dig in! Creamy, cozy, and packed with flavor — it’s an easy win every time.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 420

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

How to Serve No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Serve with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
• Add garlic bread or warm dinner rolls on the side
• Pair with roasted vegetables or a simple cucumber-tomato salad
• Add a drizzle of hot sauce or pesto for a flavor twist
• Enjoy with a glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Cut broccoli into small florets so they cook evenly with the pasta
• Use a mix of cheeses for deeper flavor Gruyère or fontina are great options
• Stir halfway through baking for extra creamy results
• Add cooked chicken, bacon, or sausage for a meaty version
• Sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top for crunch
• Swap in cauliflower, spinach, or zucchini if you don’t have broccoli
• If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil
• Use gluten-free pasta if needed just watch cook time
• Make it spicy with a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes
• Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat with a splash of broth or milk

FAQs

1 Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh
Yes just thaw and pat dry before adding to prevent extra moisture.

2 What kind of pasta works best
Short shapes like penne, rotini, elbows, or ziti work well for even cooking.

3 Can I make this ahead of time
Absolutely assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

4 How do I keep the pasta from drying out
Make sure to cover tightly with foil for most of the bake time that traps in moisture.

5 Can I use a dairy-free alternative
Yes! Use plant-based milk and cheese for a vegan version just choose meltable varieties.

6 Is this dish freezer-friendly
Yes freeze after baking and cooling. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.

7 Can I add protein to make it a full meal
Definitely shredded rotisserie chicken, sausage, or tofu all work well.

8 What if the pasta isn’t fully cooked after baking
If needed, add a splash of broth, cover again, and bake 5–10 more minutes.

9 Do I need to stir it during baking
It’s not required, but stirring once midway through can help distribute the sauce more evenly.

10 Can I substitute other veggies
Of course! Try cauliflower, peas, spinach, or even roasted peppers.

Conclusion

No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake is everything you want in a weeknight dinner hearty, creamy, comforting, and blissfully low-effort. With no need to boil the pasta and just one pan to clean, it’s the ultimate kitchen win that still delivers big on flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds. Try it once, and it’ll quickly earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation!

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