No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake

The No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake is a simple and delicious dish that combines pasta, broccoli, and cheese into one creamy, hearty meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners or a comforting weekend family gathering. Best of all, there’s no need to boil the pasta beforehand, making it a quick and easy recipe to prepare.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is not only easy but also healthy. With fresh broccoli and delicious cheese, it’s a great way to sneak some greens into your meal. Plus, the one-dish cooking means less cleanup afterward. It’s a comforting casserole that everyone will love, and you can easily customize it to fit your family’s taste.

How to Make No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake

Ingredients

• 7.5 oz whipped chive or garlic & herb cream cheese
• 12 oz dry pasta (rotini, penne, cellentani, or fusilli)
• 2-3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp), divided
• 1-2 teaspoons seasoning salt (or salt and pepper, to taste)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups chicken broth (regular or low-sodium)
• 2/3 cup heavy cream

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s nice and hot for baking.
2. In a 13×9-inch baking dish, place the whipped cream cheese right in the center—it’ll melt and blend beautifully as everything cooks.
3. Scatter the uncooked dry pasta evenly around the cream cheese. Add your chopped broccoli florets over the pasta for plenty of vibrant color and healthy crunch.
4. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over everything. This adds a gooey, cheesy layer.
5. Season the whole dish with 1–2 teaspoons of seasoning salt, or just use salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle olive oil evenly across the top.
6. Carefully pour the chicken broth over the entire dish, making sure the pasta is just submerged so it cooks evenly.
7. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes.
8. After 30 minutes, remove the foil, give the pasta a good stir, and re-cover with foil. Return it to the oven and bake for another 30 minutes so the pasta softens and soaks up that savory flavor.
9. Uncover the dish, stir in the remaining cheddar cheese, and pour in the heavy cream. Mix until the cheese fully melts into the sauce and everything looks rich and creamy.
10. Let the pasta bake rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This gives it time to thicken and makes serving a breeze.

How to Serve No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake

Serve the No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake warm, right from the oven. You can add extra cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for added flavor. It pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Store No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be good for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat it in the microwave or oven until hot.

Tips to Make No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake

• Feel free to use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or gouda, to change the flavor.
• You can add cooked chicken or other vegetables to make it even heartier.
• Make sure to evenly distribute the chicken broth to ensure all pasta cooks properly.

Variation

You can easily switch up the vegetables by adding red bell peppers, peas, or spinach. This allows you to use what you have on hand and keep the dish fresh and exciting.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding to the dish.

Is there a substitute for cream cheese?
You can use sour cream or a different type of soft cheese. However, it may change the flavor slightly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the fridge. Just remember to cover it tightly and add a bit more cooking time when baking.

No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake

A simple and delicious dish combining pasta, broccoli, and cheese into a creamy, hearty meal, perfect for busy nights or family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

  

Creamy Base

• 7.5 oz whipped chive or garlic & herb cream cheese
• ⅔ cup heavy cream

Main Ingredients

• 12 oz dry pasta (rotini, penne, cellentani, or fusilli)
• 2-3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Seasoning

• 1-2 teaspoons seasoning salt (or salt and pepper, to taste)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

Liquid Base

• 4 cups chicken broth (regular or low-sodium)

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• In a 13×9-inch baking dish, place the whipped cream cheese in the center.
• Scatter the uncooked pasta evenly around the cream cheese, then add the chopped broccoli florets.
• Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over everything.
• Season with 1–2 teaspoons of seasoning salt, or salt and pepper to taste, then drizzle with olive oil.

Cooking

• Carefully pour the chicken broth over the entire dish, ensuring the pasta is just submerged.
• Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
• After 30 minutes, remove the foil, stir the pasta, re-cover with foil, and bake for another 30 minutes.
• Uncover, stir in the remaining cheddar cheese, and pour in the heavy cream. Mix until the cheese melts.
• Let the pasta bake rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Feel free to use different types of cheese or add cooked chicken and vegetables for variation. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Keyword Broccoli Casserole, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, One-Dish Meal, Pasta Bake