Three Cheese Broccoli and Penne Bake

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Three Cheese Broccoli and Penne Bake—a creamy, cheesy delight that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. Tender penne and perfectly cooked broccoli are enveloped in a luscious three-cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, gooey mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan, all topped with a crispy, golden layer of panko breadcrumbs. Perfectly seasoned with garlic and onion powders, this baked pasta dish bakes to bubbly perfection in just 25 minutes and is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe is a delicious way to sneak in some veggies while satisfying every cheese lover's craving. Serve it fresh out of the oven for a hearty, family-friendly meal that guarantees seconds!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for 8 minutes. Add the broccoli florets to the same pot and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is tender and the pasta is al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

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

Step 4

Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 5

Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Remove the saucepan from heat and mix in 1 cup of cheddar cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and all of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, and cheese sauce. Mix until well coated and transfer to the prepared baking dish.

Step 7

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pasta. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 9

Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1928.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3652.2

Total Fat 173.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 95.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.9g
Cholesterol 516.6mg	0%
Sodium 5961.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 355.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 23.4g	0%
Total Sugars 45.2g
Protein 180.9g	0%

Vitamin D 364.8IU	0%
Calcium 3966.3mg	0%
Iron 20.4mg	0%
Potassium 2219.2mg	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: 42.1%

Protein: 19.5%

Carbs: 38.3%