Baked Cheesy Broccoli Pesto Pasta
Description
Baked Cheesy Broccoli Pesto Pasta is a delightful twist on traditional Italian pasta dishes. This dish is packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and the nutritional benefits of broccoli, making it an excellent choice for a family-friendly weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch box treat for kids. The combination of a rich, velvety bechamel sauce with the goodness of fresh broccoli and the flavor of mozzarella cheese makes this pasta recipe both delicious and nutritious. Whether you’re trying to get your kids to enjoy their greens or simply craving a comforting, savory meal, this Baked Cheesy Broccoli Pesto Pasta is the perfect choice.
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Dinner
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Durum Wheat Penne Pasta | 350 grams |
| Broccoli, florets, chopped | 2 cups |
| Garlic, finely chopped | 6 cloves |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Italian Seasoning | 2 teaspoons |
| Red Chilli Flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| Mozzarella Cheese, grated | 1/4 cup |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| For The Bechamel Sauce | |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Fresh Cream | 1/4 cup |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
| Nutmeg | 1/4 teaspoon |
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by gathering all the ingredients required for the Baked Cheesy Broccoli Pesto Pasta. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it’s hot and ready for the baking step. -
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the durum wheat penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. -
Cook the Broccoli:
In a separate pot, bring a small amount of water to a boil and blanch the chopped broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until they are tender but still bright green. Drain and set them aside. -
Sauté the Garlic:
Heat a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn it. -
Prepare the Bechamel Sauce:
In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of whole wheat flour over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens. Add fresh cream to the sauce, then season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir well until the sauce reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. -
Combine the Ingredients:
In the pan with the sautéed garlic, add the cooked broccoli and the cooked pasta. Pour the creamy bechamel sauce over the pasta and broccoli mixture. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the pasta and broccoli are well coated with the sauce. -
Season the Pasta:
Add black pepper powder, Italian seasoning, and red chili flakes to the mixture. Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. -
Assemble the Pasta Bake:
Transfer the pasta and broccoli mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly on top, allowing it to melt and form a golden, cheesy crust as it bakes. -
Bake the Pasta:
Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the top is golden and bubbly. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Remove from the oven and let the pasta sit for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips:
- If you prefer a lighter version of this recipe, you can substitute the whole wheat flour in the bechamel sauce with a gluten-free flour or cornstarch.
- For extra flavor, try adding some pesto sauce into the pasta mix for a more intense herbal flavor.
- This recipe is versatile, and you can also add other vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers for variety.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
| Sodium | 450mg |
| Potassium | 350mg |
| Vitamin A | 15% of Daily Value |
| Vitamin C | 90% of Daily Value |
| Calcium | 20% of Daily Value |
| Iron | 10% of Daily Value |
This Baked Cheesy Broccoli Pesto Pasta is a perfect blend of comfort and nutrition, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, especially for those picky eaters who need a little extra encouragement to enjoy their greens. The creamy, cheesy sauce is complemented by the freshness of broccoli, and the pasta holds everything together in one delicious bite. Make this dish a regular on your dinner table to enjoy a wholesome, flavorful meal.
