Introduction

This Crusty Pasta & Broccoli Bake is a comforting and easy dish perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender pasta and broccoli in a creamy mustard sauce, topped with a golden, cheesy breadcrumb crust. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a delicious way to enjoy vegetables with a satisfying crispy finish.

The image shows a white oval dish filled with baked pasta. The pasta is golden yellow with creamy cheese melted on top. Green broccoli florets are spread evenly throughout the dish, adding a fresh look. Small pieces of reddish-brown bacon or ham are mixed in with the pasta and broccoli. The top layer is sprinkled with grated cheese that is slightly browned and crispy in spots. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

400g penne or macaroni

1 red onion, roughly chopped

250g head broccoli, stalks chopped and florets halved

1 vegetable stock cube

1 tsp French or German mustard

200g pot half fat crème fraîche

100g grated mature Gruyère or cheddar

Small handful parsley leaves, chopped

4 tbsp fresh white breadcrumbs (or 1 slice crustless white bread processed)

½ tsp dried mixed herbs or thyme

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the pasta, chopped onion, and broccoli stalks in plenty of lightly salted boiling water for about 7 minutes. Then add the broccoli florets and cook for another 3 minutes. Reserve about 400ml of the cooking water before draining the pasta and vegetables.

Step 2: Return the reserved water to the pan and dissolve the vegetable stock cube in it. Whisk in the mustard and crème fraîche, then season to taste. Bring the sauce to the boil.

Step 3: Stir in the drained pasta, vegetables, and half the grated cheese, mixing until the cheese melts. Add the chopped parsley and combine well.

Step 4: Preheat your grill for 3 minutes. Transfer the pasta mixture to a shallow, ovenproof dish. Mix the remaining cheese, breadcrumbs, and dried herbs together, then sprinkle evenly over the top.

Step 5: Place the dish on the base of a grill pan and grill for about 3 minutes, turning if the top starts to brown unevenly. Watch carefully to prevent burning or toughening the cheese.

Step 6: Remove the dish and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and the topping crisp up.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, stir in some cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms before baking.

Swap crème fraîche for Greek yogurt if you prefer a lighter sauce, but add it off the heat to avoid curdling.

Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.

Fresh thyme works wonderfully instead of dried mixed herbs for a fragrant topping.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?

Yes, you can substitute broccoli with cauliflower, green beans, or even spinach for a different flavor and texture.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

You can freeze the baked pasta before grilling. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then grill as directed to crisp the topping.