Spaghetti Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Spaghetti Broccoli and Cheese Casserole, a creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly golden-baked dish perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Packed with tender spaghetti, fresh broccoli florets, and a rich homemade cheese sauce featuring sharp cheddar and Parmesan, this casserole offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. A crisp topping of Italian breadcrumbs adds a delightful crunch, while simple pantry staples like garlic powder, onion powder, and broth elevate the flavor profile. Ready in under an hour, this recipe is easy to make and serves six hungry diners. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and enjoy this satisfying, kid-friendly meal that's sure to become a household favorite! Keywords: spaghetti casserole, broccoli and cheese casserole, comfort food recipe, cheesy pasta bake, family dinner recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 0.5 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.

Step 2

Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water for 2 minutes less than the package instructions indicate. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 3

In the last 4 minutes of cooking the spaghetti, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water to blanch them. Drain spaghetti and broccoli together and set aside.

Step 4

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden to make a roux.

Step 5

Gradually whisk in the milk and broth, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken (about 3-4 minutes).

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese and 3/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 7

Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 8

Add the cooked spaghetti and broccoli to the cheese sauce. Toss everything together to coat evenly. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 9

Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 10

In a small bowl, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, and 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Mix well and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole.

Step 11

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1948.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3096.9

Total Fat 172.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 99.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.9g
Cholesterol 471.6mg	0%
Sodium 7172.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 260.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.7g	0%
Total Sugars 40.0g
Protein 154.3g	0%

Vitamin D 262.7IU	0%
Calcium 3418.2mg	0%
Iron 16.4mg	0%
Potassium 1455.7mg	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: 48.3%

Protein: 19.2%

Carbs: 32.5%