No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe

If you have ever wished for a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that saves you the time and fuss of boiling noodles, then you are absolutely going to love this No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake. It’s a delightful blend of creamy chive- or herb-flavored cream cheese, tender pasta, vibrant broccoli florets, and layers of gooey cheddar that all come together in one easy baking dish. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings when you want something hearty, wholesome, and utterly delicious with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together in a simple yet harmonious way, each playing an essential role in the dish’s rich texture, color, and bold flavor. From the sharpness of the cheddar to the creamy touch of heavy cream and the freshness of broccoli, every component adds something special to this no-fuss pasta bake.

• Whipped Chive or Garlic & Herb Cream Cheese: This adds a savory, tangy creaminess that melts beautifully throughout the pasta.
• Dry Pasta (rotini, penne, cellentani, or fusilli): The shape helps trap sauce and cheese in every bite for maximum flavor distribution.
• Fresh Broccoli Florets: Provides a fresh crunch and vibrant green color, plus a healthy dose of nutrients.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (medium or sharp), divided: Brings that classic cheesy goodness with layers of melted richness.
• Seasoning Salt or Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing the flavors and enhancing the overall taste.
• Olive Oil: Drizzled on top for a subtle fruity depth and helps the top bake to a golden finish.
• Chicken Broth (regular or low-sodium): This flavorful liquid cooks the pasta and infuses the dish with savory essence.
• Heavy Cream: Stirred in at the end to make the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.

How to Make No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Base

Start by heating your oven to a sizzling 425°F (220°C). This ensures the baking dish will immediately begin cooking the pasta, allowing all the flavors to start melding as soon as it goes in.

Step 2: Layer the Cream Cheese

In a large 13×9-inch baking dish, place the whipped cream cheese right in the center. This is the magic touch that will melt down and create luscious pockets of flavor throughout the bake.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Broccoli

Scatter the uncooked dry pasta evenly around the cream cheese, then sprinkle chopped broccoli florets on top. The broccoli’s bright green adds both a healthier twist and a pop of color that truly makes this dish inviting.

Step 4: Sprinkle Half the Cheese and Season

Generously cover the top with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Next, season everything with 1 to 2 teaspoons of seasoning salt or simply salt and pepper as you prefer, then drizzle the olive oil over the entire dish.

Step 5: Pour in the Broth and Cover

Pour chicken broth carefully over the pasta until it’s just submerged. This flavorful liquid will cook the pasta perfectly while infusing the whole dish with savory depth. Immediately cover the dish tightly with foil so no steam escapes during baking.

Step 6: Bake and Stir

Place the covered dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. After this initial bake, remove the foil, give everything a good stir to mix the flavors and soften the pasta evenly, then cover it back up and bake for another 30 minutes.

Step 7: Finish with Cheese and Cream

Remove the foil once more and stir in the remaining cheddar cheese and heavy cream. The cheese melts into the cream to create a dreamy, rich sauce that coats every nook and cranny of the pasta and broccoli.

Step 8: Rest Before Serving

Let your No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This pause allows the sauce to thicken slightly, making for easier serving and an even better eating experience.

How to Serve No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil instantly brightens the dish visually and adds a lively herbal note that complements the creamy cheese perfectly. A little cracked black pepper on top also adds nice contrast and a hint of spice.

Side Dishes

This pasta bake is quite the star on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread will round out your meal nicely, balancing the richness of the pasta with fresh and crunchy elements.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, you can serve the No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake directly in individual ramekins for portion-controlled servings. Alternatively, top it with toasted breadcrumbs before the final bake for a satisfying, golden crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen as it rests, making the next-day meal equally comforting.

Freezing

You can freeze the pasta bake either before or after baking. If freezing raw, be sure to cover it tightly with foil and wrap additionally in plastic wrap for protection. Frozen pasta bake will keep for up to 2 months without losing its creamy texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying. Stir halfway through reheating to ensure even warming. You might want to add a splash of cream or broth to revive the saucy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar is classic for this dish, you can swap in mozzarella for extra gooeyness or a bit of Parmesan for a sharper, nuttier flavor. Just be careful to adjust quantities to keep the balance of creaminess and melt.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and ensure your seasoning salt does not contain animal products. The dish will still be deliciously hearty and full of flavor.

What pasta shapes work best?

Pasta shapes like rotini, penne, cellentani, or fusilli hold sauce well and create that wonderful bite you want in a bake. Avoid very thin pasta like angel hair as it can get too mushy before the bake finishes.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or even chopped spinach. Just be mindful of moisture levels and adjust baking time slightly if needed.

Why does the recipe not require boiling the pasta first?

The chicken broth provides enough liquid to cook the pasta in the oven, saving you the step of boiling and adding flavor as it cooks. This no-boil method makes the recipe incredibly convenient without sacrificing texture or taste.

Final Thoughts

This No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake truly transforms weeknight cooking with its simplicity, bold flavors, and comforting creaminess. It’s a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again, especially when you want cozy food that feels made with love but doesn’t keep you tied to the stove. Give it a try—you’re going to adore how easy and delicious dinner can be with just one dish!

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