Simple Pasta and Cheese Bake with Veggies for Two

Indulge in this comforting and cheesy pasta bake, packed with fresh veggies and perfect for a cozy dinner for two! This "Simple Pasta and Cheese Bake with Veggies for Two" combines tender penne pasta, crisp broccoli florets, and colorful bell peppers in a creamy, homemade cheddar cheese sauce. Topped with a golden layer of melted cheese and crispy panko breadcrumbs, this oven-baked dish delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or date nights when you crave something hearty but effortless. This recipe is a delightful balance of creamy, cheesy indulgence and vibrant vegetables—perfect for pasta lovers looking to add a touch of freshness to their plate.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 150 grams penne pasta
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 0.5 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups milk
• 1.25 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes or until al dente, following the package instructions.

Step 3

During the last 2 minutes of the pasta cook time, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.

Step 4

Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Cook the diced bell peppers for 2-3 minutes or until slightly softened. Set aside.

Step 5

In another saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).

Step 6

Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, the Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 7

Combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, bell peppers, and cheese sauce in a large bowl. Mix well and transfer to the prepared baking dish.

Step 8

Sprinkle the remaining 0.25 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Step 9

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer.

Step 10

Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

Step 11

Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy, veggie-packed pasta bake!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(912.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1831.8

Total Fat 96.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 51.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.3g
Cholesterol 258.1mg	0%
Sodium 2685.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 168.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.4g	0%
Total Sugars 23.6g
Protein 78.5g	0%

Vitamin D 165.5IU	0%
Calcium 1641.8mg	0%
Iron 8.2mg	0%
Potassium 1069.1mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.9%

Protein: 16.9%

Carbs: 36.2%