Name: No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American

If you’re craving a dinner that feels like a cozy hug after a long day, the No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake is here to save the night! This genius bake combines tender pasta, crisp-tender broccoli, and luscious layers of cheddar all swimming in a rich, creamy sauce—without ever having to boil a single noodle first. It’s an absolute weeknight hero, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort and clean-up. Whether it’s for meal prep, feeding a crowd, or just treating yourself to easy comfort, the No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake promises to be the highlight of your kitchen lineup.

No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of familiar ingredients transform into something truly special! Each one brings its own magic, from the creamy tang of the cheese to the bright pop of broccoli, creating irresistible flavor and color in every bite.

Whipped Chive or Garlic & Herb Cream Cheese (7.5 oz): Adds luscious creaminess and an aromatic herby depth; regular whipped cream cheese works in a pinch!
Dry Pasta (12 oz): Choose sturdy shapes like rotini, penne, cellentani, or fusilli—they hold up beautifully and soak up all that cheesy sauce.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, divided): Medium or sharp cheddar amps up the flavor and creates the ultimate melty top.
Fresh Broccoli Florets (2–3 cups, chopped): Adds brightness, a bit of crunch, and loads of color; chop small for easy scooping.
Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): Brings extra richness and helps the dish bake up perfectly golden.
Chicken Broth (4 cups): The key to no-boil magic—infuses flavor as the pasta cooks in the oven; opt for low-sodium if needed.
Seasoning Salt or Salt & Pepper (1–2 teaspoons, to taste): Customize to your liking—seasoning blends or just classic salt & pepper work well.
Heavy Cream (⅔ cup): For that ultra-silky finish; don’t skip this final swirl for the creamiest bake!

How to Make No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is crucial for tender pasta and that coveted bubbly, golden top, so don’t be tempted to go lower—you want everything to cook through evenly!

Step 2: Add Cream Cheese

Spoon the whipped cream cheese into the center of your 13×9-inch (33×23 cm) baking dish. No mixing required just yet! As it bakes, it melts down, creating a rich and herby base for your sauce.

Step 3: Layer Pasta, Broccoli, and Cheese

Scatter your uncooked pasta evenly around the cream cheese so it cooks in a single layer. Pile the chopped broccoli florets on top, then sprinkle half the cheddar cheese over everything. This even layering helps the cheesy flavor and broccoli goodness shine in every bite of your No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake!

Step 4: Season and Drizzle

Sprinkle your chosen seasoning salt or salt & pepper evenly over the top, then drizzle the olive oil for that extra layer of richness. Don’t worry if it looks a little rustic at this stage—it all comes together beautifully.

Step 5: Add Broth

Pour the chicken broth slowly and steadily over the contents of the pan. Make sure the pasta is just covered—this is the secret to perfectly cooked noodles and a flavorful sauce that simmers while it bakes!

Step 6: Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This is super important; sealing in the steam ensures your pasta softens without drying out. Bake for 30 minutes to let everything begin to meld together.

Step 7: Stir, Recover, and Bake Again

Carefully remove the foil and give everything a solid stir—especially scraping the bottom to make sure all the pasta is coated. Stirring helps incorporate the cream cheese and prevents sticking. Re-cover tightly and return to the oven for another 30 minutes.

Step 8: Make It Extra Creamy

Now comes the best part! Take off the foil, add the rest of your cheddar cheese, and pour in the heavy cream. Stir just until the cheese is melty and the sauce turns silky and glossy. This step truly takes your No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake to dreamy territory!

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow the bake to rest uncovered for 5 minutes before serving. This gives the sauce a chance to thicken up, guaranteeing perfect spoonfuls with every serving—so tempting, it’s tough to wait!

How to Serve No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, a dusting of extra cheddar, or a few crackles of black pepper right before serving. For a pretty finish, you can also toss on some red pepper flakes or crunchy buttered breadcrumbs.

Side Dishes

Pair your No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake with a simple green salad tossed with vinaigrette, or serve it alongside warm, crusty bread to soak up all that glorious sauce. Roasted carrots or a lemony cucumber salad are also fabulous companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For potlucks or parties, you can scoop the bake into individual ramekins for personalized portions. Dress it up for holidays by sprinkling with toasted pine nuts or a mix of roasted vegetables for extra flair. It’s elegant enough for guests, yet homey for family weeknights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), just scoop them into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop and deepen, making each reheat as comforting as the first night.

Freezing

To freeze, let the No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture, and don’t forget to label with the date!

Reheating

To reheat, transfer to a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely, or place in a baking dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot and bubbly. Add a splash of broth or cream before reheating if it seems dry—it’ll perk right up.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of whipped?

Absolutely! Just soften the cream cheese at room temperature and dot it in small spoonfuls evenly over the baking dish. It will melt beautifully as the casserole bakes.

Can I make the No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake ahead of time?

You can! Assemble everything (without baking), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, pop it straight into the oven (add a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge).

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely—simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and the bake is instantly vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing any flavor.

Can I freeze leftovers for later?

Yes, No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake freezes well. Cool it first, portion as needed, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently for best results.

What should I do if my pasta isn’t fully cooked after an hour?

Some ovens run a little cool or pasta shapes may vary. If the noodles still have a bite, just add a splash more broth, re-cover, and bake for another 5–10 minutes until perfectly tender.

Final Thoughts

With its brilliant no-boil magic and irresistible flavor, No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake is the kind of recipe you’ll want to put on repeat—trust me, everyone at your table will be asking for seconds! Give it a try on your next busy night, and prepare to be wowed by just how easy and satisfying homemade comfort food can be.

No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe

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If you’re searching for a simple, no-fuss dinner that delivers big on flavor and comfort, this No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake is about to become your new favorite recipe. Imagine tender pasta, fresh broccoli, and layers of gooey cheddar, all baked together in a luscious, herby cream cheese sauce—without ever boiling a pot of water! This crowd-pleasing casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a hungry family. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a wholesome, hearty meal in the oven in under 10 minutes. No tricky steps, no fussy clean-up, just honest comfort food done right!

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

7.5 oz Philadelphia Whipped Chive or Garlic & Herb cream cheese

12 oz dry pasta (rotini, penne, cellentani, or fusilli)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp), divided

2–3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cups chicken broth (regular or low sodium)

1–2 teaspoons seasoning salt or salt & pepper, to taste

⅔ cup heavy cream

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven – Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven is key to getting the pasta perfectly tender and the cheese nice and bubbly.
Step 2: Add Cream Cheese – Place the whipped cream cheese right in the center of a 13×9-inch (33×23 cm) baking dish. The cream cheese will melt down into a silky sauce as the dish bakes.
Step 3: Layer Pasta, Broccoli, and Cheese – Scatter the uncooked pasta evenly around the cream cheese. Add the chopped broccoli florets over the pasta, and then sprinkle on half of the shredded cheddar cheese. This layering helps distribute the flavors and ensures cheesy goodness in every bite.
Step 4: Season and Drizzle – Sprinkle your seasoning salt (or a blend of salt and pepper) over the whole dish. Drizzle the olive oil evenly across the surface. This step brings out the savory notes and adds a touch of richness.
Step 5: Add Broth – Slowly pour the chicken broth over everything in the pan. The broth should just cover the pasta. This liquid is absorbed by the pasta as it bakes, cooking it perfectly while infusing the dish with flavor.
Step 6: Cover and Bake – Seal the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Keeping it tightly covered is crucial—it traps steam and ensures the pasta softens evenly.
Step 7: Stir, Recover, and Bake Again – After 30 minutes, remove the foil and give everything a good stir—this helps incorporate the cream cheese into the sauce and ensures nothing sticks to the bottom. Re-cover tightly with foil and return to the oven for another 30 minutes.
Step 8: Make It Extra Creamy – Remove the foil. Add the remaining cheddar cheese and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a rich, ultra-creamy finish.
Step 9: Rest and Serve – Let the pasta bake sit for 5 minutes before serving. This gives the sauce a chance to thicken and ensures each scoop is loaded with cheesy, broccoli-packed flavor.

Notes

Pasta Types: Any short, sturdy pasta works well—rotini, penne, cellentani, or fusilli. Avoid thin or delicate pasta shapes, as they may get too soft.
Don’t Overbake: For best texture, stick to the baking times. Overbaking may make the pasta too soft.
Fresh vs. Frozen Broccoli: Fresh is best for a little bite, but frozen (thawed and drained) can work in a pinch—just chop any large pieces before adding.