Easy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Bake with Cream Cheese

Easy dump-and-bake broccoli cheddar pasta with creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and fresh broccoli baked in one dish.

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Easy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Bake with Cream Cheese

Easy dump-and-bake broccoli cheddar pasta with creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and fresh broccoli baked in one dish.

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Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
40 minutes

Total Time
50

Yield
6 servings

Course
Sides

Cuisine
Not listed

Servings
6 servings

Calories
400 calories

Ingredients

• 7.5 oz Philadelphia whipped chive or garlic and herb cream cheese
• 12 oz dry pasta (rotini, penne, cellentani, or fusilli)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp seasoning salt
• 0.67 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large baking dish, combine the dry pasta, chopped broccoli florets, olive oil, chicken broth, seasoning salt, and heavy cream. Stir well to distribute evenly.
3. Dollop the whipped cream cheese over the mixture and sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Gently stir, leaving some cheese on top.
4. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
5. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Let the pasta rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories400 calories

Protein15 g

Carbohydrates45 g

Fat18 g

SodiumNot listed

SugarNot listed

FiberNot listed

Dump and Bake Broccoli Cheddar Pasta

If you love comfort food but don’t want to spend hours cooking, this Dump and Bake Broccoli Cheddar Pasta is about to become a new favorite. This easy one-dish dinner combines tender pasta, fresh broccoli, creamy cheese sauce, and melted cheddar—all baked together in a single pan.

The best part? There’s no need to boil the pasta beforehand. Everything cooks together in the baking dish, allowing the pasta to absorb the rich flavors of chicken broth, cream, and cheese as it bakes.

The result is a creamy, cheesy casserole-style pasta that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or simple meal prep.

Why I Love This Recipe

This recipe is a lifesaver when you want a comforting dinner with minimal effort.

Here’s why it’s so popular:

• No boiling required
• Minimal prep time
• Only one baking dish to clean
• Perfect balance of pasta, vegetables, and cheese
• Kid-friendly and family-approved

Because it’s rich and creamy, I like serving it with something fresh like Easy Homemade Caesar Salad with Chicken to balance the meal.

Tips for the Best Pasta Bake

Use enough liquid

The broth and cream help cook the pasta while creating the sauce.

Cover tightly with foil

This traps steam and ensures the pasta cooks evenly.

Cut broccoli into small florets

Smaller pieces cook more evenly with the pasta.

Shred cheese from a block

Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Because this dish is creamy and rich, lighter sides complement it perfectly.

Try serving it with:

• Fresh greens like Easy Homemade Caesar Salad with Chicken
• A chilled side such as Easy Classic Pasta Salad for Any Gathering
• A protein-packed dish like Easy Meal Prep Chicken Salad: Classic & Creative Riffs

For a casual lunch menu the next day, something like The Ultimate Turkey Club Wrap for Easy Lunches pairs nicely with leftovers.

If you enjoy creamy pasta dishes, you might also love Fettuccine Alfredo – The Creamy Pasta That Became a Comfort Food Favorite.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values:

• Calories: 400
• Fat: 18 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Protein: 15 g

This makes the dish hearty and satisfying while still offering a serving of vegetables.

Storage and Leftover Tips

This pasta bake stores well and is great for leftovers.

Refrigeration

• Store in an airtight container
• Keeps for 3–4 days

Reheating

• Reheat in the microwave or oven at 325°F for about 15 minutes

Freezing

• Freeze portions for up to 2 months
• Thaw overnight before reheating

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoy easy comfort meals like this one, try these reader favorites:

• Easy Classic Pasta Salad for Any Gathering
• Easy Homemade Caesar Salad with Chicken
• Easy Meal Prep Chicken Salad: Classic & Creative Riffs
• The Ultimate Turkey Club Wrap for Easy Lunches
• Fettuccine Alfredo – The Creamy Pasta That Became a Comfort Food Favorite

Final Thoughts

This Dump and Bake Broccoli Cheddar Pasta proves that delicious comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and one baking dish, you can create a creamy, cheesy dinner that everyone will love.

It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, family meals, or simple meal prep, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out and what fun additions you made to customize it!

Why You?ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Bake with Cream Cheese is built for home cooks who want a reliable Sides without turning dinner or dessert into a project. The ingredient list stays approachable, the method is clear, and the finished dish gives you the kind of comfort-food payoff that makes a recipe worth saving.

Because the recipe card below keeps the exact measurements and steps organized, this article focuses on the practical details that help the recipe come out better: timing, texture, ingredient choices, storage, serving ideas, and simple ways to adjust the flavor for your table.

Tips for the Best Results

Use the listed times as a guide, but remember that cookware, appliance strength, ingredient size, and starting temperature can all affect the final result. This recipe lists 10 minutes of prep time, 40 minutes of cook time, and about 50 total time, which makes it easier to plan around dinner, parties, or weekend cooking.

Season thoughtfully. Many comfort-food recipes use flavorful packaged ingredients, cheese, sauces, or seasoning blends, and those can vary in salt level. Taste when it is safe to do so, then adjust at the end. A small amount of acid, fresh herbs, black pepper, or a creamy topping can make the finished dish feel more balanced.

Easy Variations

You can adapt this recipe based on what your family likes. Keep the main method the same, then change the seasoning, topping, vegetable, or serving style. If you want more heat, add a spicy element. If you want something milder, reduce strong seasonings and finish with a creamy or fresh topping.

For a heartier version, serve it with a simple side such as rice, potatoes, salad, bread, or roasted vegetables. For a lighter version, pair it with crisp greens or fresh fruit, depending on whether the recipe is savory or sweet.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator once the food has cooled. Most cooked dishes keep well for three to four days, while many desserts keep best when covered tightly so they do not dry out.

Reheat gently when possible. A microwave is convenient for individual portions, but an oven, skillet, or air fryer can help bring back texture when the recipe has a crisp, baked, or toasted element.

What to Serve With It

This recipe makes 6 servings, so it can work as a main dish, side, dessert, or shareable recipe depending on the category. For savory recipes, pair it with something fresh or simple so the meal does not feel too heavy. A salad, roasted vegetable, bread, rice, or potatoes can round out the plate.

For sweeter recipes, serve smaller portions with coffee, milk, whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream. The goal is to support the main flavor rather than cover it up.

Food Safety and Doneness

Use visual cues and safe cooking temperatures when judging doneness. For meat, poultry, seafood, and egg-based recipes, an instant-read thermometer is the most reliable tool. You can review official guidance on the USDA safe minimum internal temperature chart.

For baked goods and desserts, look for the texture cues in the recipe card: set centers, golden edges, clean tester marks, or proper chilling time. Letting a recipe rest before serving often improves texture and makes slicing or plating easier.

Food Safety Source

For safe cooking temperatures and food handling basics, see the USDA safe minimum internal temperature chart.

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