Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Bake with Crunchy Breadcrumbs

Name: Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Bake with Crunchy Breadcrumbs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 300 g wholemeal pasta; 800 g broccoli, cut into florets; 1200 ml milk; 200 g cheddar, grated; 60 g fresh brown breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp olive oil; 60 g butter; 60 g plain flour; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 bay leaf; 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg

This broccoli cheddar pasta bake is creamy, hearty, and finished with a crisp golden breadcrumb topping. Made with wholemeal pasta, plenty of broccoli, and a silky cheese sauce, it is a comforting oven-baked dinner that still feels balanced enough for a weeknight meal.

Servings4 Portions

Prep Time10 Mins

Cook Time60 Mins

Difficulty

Intermediate

Ingredients

wholemeal pasta
300 g
broccoli, cut into florets
800 g
milk
1200 ml
cheddar, grated
200 g
fresh brown breadcrumbs
60 g
olive oil
2 tbsp
butter
60 g
plain flour
60 g
Dijon mustard
1 tbsp
bay leaf
1
freshly grated nutmeg
0.3 tsp

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the wholemeal pasta until just al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package directions. Add the broccoli florets halfway through the pasta cooking time so they become tender but still bright green. Drain well, then toss the pasta and broccoli with the olive oil.

Meanwhile, warm the milk with the bay leaf in a separate saucepan until it is just starting to simmer. Remove from the heat and let it infuse for a few minutes. In another saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stir in the flour, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until you have a smooth roux.

Gradually whisk the warm milk into the roux, adding a little at a time to prevent lumps. Cook over low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce is thick and smooth. Remove the bay leaf, then stir in three-quarters of the grated cheddar, the Dijon mustard, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt to taste. Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4.

Transfer the pasta and broccoli to a large baking dish, then pour over the cheese sauce and mix gently to coat. Scatter the remaining cheddar and the breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until bubbling and deeply golden. Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.