Name: No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 7.5 oz whipped chive or garlic & herb cream cheese; 12 oz dry pasta (rotini, penne, cellentani, or fusilli); 2-3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp), divided; 1-2 teaspoons seasoning salt (or salt and pepper, to taste); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cups chicken broth (regular or low-sodium); 2/3 cup heavy cream

Jump to Recipe

If you love creamy, flavorful dinners that are easy to whip up, you’re going to fall head over heels for this No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake. With tender pasta, vibrant green broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce all baked in one dish, it’s a winning combination that’s as comforting as it is simple. Did you know that pasta bakes became popular during the Great Depression as an affordable way to create hearty, fulfilling meals? This modern twist on a classic casserole makes getting dinner on the table a breeze—no need to boil the pasta first! If you’ve tried my Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake, you already know how effortless and crowd-pleasing these one-pan wonders can be. Gather your family, grab some fresh broccoli, and let’s embrace the joy of delicious home-cooked meals—this recipe is sure to become a new favorite!

What is No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake?

No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake—now there’s a name that gets straight to the point! Isn’t it every home cook’s dream to skip that extra pot of boiling water for pasta? Some might call it magic; I call it smart cooking. Imagine all the cheesy, bubbly goodness of a classic baked pasta, with none of the stovetop mess. Why? Because the pasta cooks right in the oven with all those creamy, savory flavors infusing each bite! Remember, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach—this dish proves it’s actually everyone’s heart we’re after. Ready to save time and have a blast in the kitchen? Give this recipe a try!

Why You’ll Love This

The standout feature of this No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake has to be its fuss-free method—just mix, bake, and enjoy a perfectly creamy, flavorful meal. No pots to watch, no noodles to drain; everything happens right in one pan. It’s a cost-effective way to feed your family, with budget-friendly ingredients like dry pasta, broccoli, and cheese, saving you both time and money compared to takeout. And let’s talk about those toppings…a golden cheddar cheese crust and the irresistible flavor of chive cream cheese bring a gourmet touch to every bite. Looking for another comforting bake? You might love my Spinach and Tomato Pasta Casserole, too. Ready to dig in? Give this simple, flavor-packed bake a spin in your kitchen tonight!

How to Make

Quick Overview

This No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake is the ultimate weeknight solution—deliciously cheesy, loaded with broccoli, and ready for the oven in just a few minutes. No boiling noodles ahead of time means less hassle and fewer dishes to wash. The combination of a rich cream cheese sauce and sharp cheddar guarantees every bite is creamy and satisfying. You’ll have this family-friendly dinner ready to bake in about 10 minutes, making it a perfect choice when schedules are busy but comfort food is non-negotiable.

Ingredients

7.5 oz whipped chive or garlic & herb cream cheese
12 oz dry pasta (rotini, penne, cellentani, or fusilli)
2–3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp), divided
1–2 teaspoons seasoning salt (or salt and pepper, to taste)
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cups chicken broth (regular or low-sodium)
2/3 cup heavy cream

Directions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s nice and hot for baking.
In a 13×9-inch baking dish, place the whipped cream cheese right in the center—it’ll melt and blend beautifully as everything cooks.
Scatter the uncooked dry pasta evenly around the cream cheese. Add your chopped broccoli florets over the pasta for plenty of vibrant color and healthy crunch.
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over everything. This adds a gooey, cheesy layer.
Season the whole dish with 1–2 teaspoons of seasoning salt, or just use salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle olive oil evenly across the top.
Carefully pour the chicken broth over the entire dish, making sure the pasta is just submerged so it cooks evenly.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil, give the pasta a good stir, and re-cover with foil. Return it to the oven and bake for another 30 minutes so the pasta softens and soaks up that savory flavor.
Uncover the dish, stir in the remaining cheddar cheese, and pour in the heavy cream. Mix until the cheese fully melts into the sauce and everything looks rich and creamy.
Let the pasta bake rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This gives it time to thicken and makes serving a breeze.

What to Serve With

This creamy pasta bake pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette or a tangy coleslaw to complement the richness. Warm, crusty garlic bread or easy homemade focaccia is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For drinks, a simple sparkling water with lemon or a light white wine can brighten the flavors of the meal. Add a quick roasted vegetable medley (like carrots or bell peppers) for extra nutrition and color on your plate. Mix and match for a full, satisfying family dinner.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Don’t have cream cheese with chives? Swap for plain, add extra fresh or dried herbs, or use garlic & herb whipped cheese for tons of flavor.
If you only have frozen broccoli, thaw and pat dry before adding it to prevent excess moisture.
Use sharp cheddar for a bolder taste—but any melting cheese works if you’re cleaning out the fridge!
Watch your pasta: If using a different pasta shape or gluten-free noodles, check for doneness early; some might cook faster.
Don’t skip a thorough stir after the first bake—this guarantees creamy, evenly cooked pasta, and prevents any dry corners.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Allow leftovers to cool, then transfer to an airtight container. This pasta bake stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth and cover loosely before microwaving for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through, so it returns to creamy perfection. For oven reheating, cover with foil and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. To freeze, portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above. Perfect for meal prepping or easy weeknight dinners!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any short pasta (like penne, fusilli, or cavatappi) works well—just avoid very small shapes as they may get too soft.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth for a fully vegetarian bake.

What if I want to add protein?
Go for it! Stir in cooked, shredded chicken, crispy bacon, or even canned white beans before baking for extra heartiness.

Can I use non-dairy alternatives?
You sure can. Try dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based milk, and a vegan cheddar-style cheese; just expect a slightly different flavor and texture.

Does this bake freeze well?
Yes, it freezes beautifully. Portion any leftovers and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

The No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake brings together everything we love in a weeknight meal—creamy cheese, fresh veggies, tummy-warming comfort, and effortless cleanup. With its easy prep and family-friendly appeal, it’s perfect for busy nights when you need something nourishing and crowd-pleasing on the table fast. If you’re looking for more simple yet spectacular dinner ideas, don’t forget to check out my other one-pan wonders! Give this recipe a try—then come back to share your kitchen wins. Happy baking!