Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Bake

Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Bake

Total Time: 00h 50m
Hands-on Time: 00h 20m
Makes: 6 servings

This broccoli cheddar casserole is not just bursting with cheddar flavor – it’s also bursting with protein from cottage cheese and high-protein pasta! Rich and creamy, it’s an easy way to get finnicky kids (and adults) to get in a serving of broccoli along with the protein and enjoy every bite.

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Ingredients

  • 14 1/2 ounces high-protein elbow pasta
  • 1 1/2 pounds broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 1/4 cups whole milk
  • 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 packet Simply Organic® Chicken Flavored Gravy Mix
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons butter, divided and melted
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Simply Organic® Black Pepper, to taste

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. In a pot, cook pasta in salted water, according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  3. Meanwhile, in a pot with a steamer basket, add broccoli florets and steam until fork-tender.
  4. Into a blender, add milk, cottage cheese, half of the cheddar cheese, the Chicken Gravy Mix, flour and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Blend until completely smooth.
  5. In a 9-x-13-inch baking dish, add pasta, broccoli, parsley, salt, pepper and blended cheese sauce. Stir until well combined.
  6. In a small bowl, add breadcrumbs, remaining 1 tablespoon melted butter, and salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Top pasta mixture with remaining shredded cheese in an even layer, then top with breadcrumbs. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until cheese is melted and breadcrumbs are golden brown.
 
RECIPE TIP
  1. If you prefer, you can steam the broccoli in the microwave: In a microwave-safe bowl, add broccoli and 3 tablespoons water, then cover with plastic wrap and poke a few holes in the top. Microwave for 3 to 4 minutes, until broccoli is fork-tender, then drain.