Indulge in ultimate comfort with this PMS Broccoli Ziti Bake, a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make! Perfect for those moments when you crave decadence, this baked ziti features tender pasta, vibrant broccoli florets, and a rich, velvety cheese sauce made with a trio of mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese. Seasoned with garlic, Italian herbs, and a hint of red pepper flakes for optional spice, this cozy casserole is topped with golden, bubbling mozzarella for the perfect finishing touch. Ready in just under an hour, this bake is an irresistible combination of hearty and wholesome, perfect for family dinners or a comforting solo treat. Keywords: broccoli ziti bake, creamy pasta recipe, easy casserole, cheesy baked ziti, comfort food recipe.
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the ziti pasta until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, blanched broccoli, sautéed garlic, and the cheese sauce. Mix well to evenly coat everything.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting, cheesy broccoli ziti bake!
Serving size | (1688.1g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 3725.1 |
Total Fat 208.1g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 107.6g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.7g | |
Cholesterol 540.9mg | 0% |
Sodium 5222.5mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 321.9g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 26.2g | 0% |
Total Sugars 45.5g | |
Protein 150.3g | 0% |
Vitamin D 226.7IU | 0% |
Calcium 2995.4mg | 0% |
Iron 16.7mg | 0% |
Potassium 1032.1mg | 0% |
Source of Calories