Cheesy Flower Power Pasta Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Flower Power Pasta Bake, a vibrant twist on traditional baked pasta that’s packed with flavor and hidden veggies. Perfectly al dente pasta is tossed with tender broccoli and cauliflower florets, then enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and parmesan. Topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, this dish combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a satisfying crunch. Easy to prepare in just under an hour, this family-friendly bake is an ideal weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds the perfect finishing touch to this hearty, wholesome meal. Keywords: cheesy pasta bake, broccoli and cauliflower pasta, crispy breadcrumb topping, comfort food recipes.
Try SnapCalorie's FREE AI assisted nutrition tracking free in the App store or on Android.
Scan with your phone to download!
Ingredients
- 400 grams pasta (penne, fusilli, or ziti)
- 200 grams cauliflower florets
- 200 grams broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 500 milliliters milk
- 200 grams sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
- 50 grams parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons paprika
- 50 grams breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Step 2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes for a firmer texture. Drain and set aside.
Step 3
In the same pot, blanch the cauliflower and broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
Step 4
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Step 5
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Step 6
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated cheddar and parmesan cheeses. Reserve a small handful of cheddar for topping. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Step 7
Combine the cooked pasta, blanched vegetables, and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Mix well to ensure everything is coated evenly.
Step 8
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and level the top with a spatula.
Step 9
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil and the reserved cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this mixture over the pasta.
Step 10
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Step 11
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1710.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2715.2 |
| Total Fat 144.8g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 81.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 399.4mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5758.6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 235.4g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 19.3g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 39.8g | |
| Protein 130.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 276.5IU | 0% |
| Calcium 2851.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 9.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1916.1mg | 0% |
Source of Calories