If you’re looking for a creamy, cheesy, comforting pasta bake that is easy to make and perfect for the whole family, this Broccoli Cheese Penne Bake is the perfect recipe to try.
Made with penne pasta, broccoli, broccoli cheese soup, heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and simple seasonings, this baked pasta is rich, warm, creamy, and full of cheesy flavor. It has the cozy taste of broccoli cheddar soup mixed with pasta, then baked under a golden layer of melted cheese.
This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, potlucks, comfort food nights, meal prep, holiday side dishes, or anytime you want a simple creamy casserole that feels homemade and satisfying.
The penne pasta holds the creamy sauce beautifully, the broccoli adds color and texture, the soup creates a rich base, the heavy cream makes everything smooth, and the sharp cheddar melts into a golden cheesy topping.
Every bite is creamy, cheesy, tender, and comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy and cheesy
Easy pasta bake
Perfect family dinner
Comfort food style
Great with broccoli
Simple ingredients
Kid-friendly
Great for potlucks
Perfect for leftovers
Golden melted cheese topping
Budget-friendly
Easy to customize
Warm and filling
Great side dish or main dish
Perfect weeknight meal
Ingredients You’ll Need
Penne pasta
Fresh or frozen broccoli florets
Broccoli cheese soup
Heavy whipping cream
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Italian seasoning
Salt
Black pepper
Parsley, optional
Optional Add-Ins
Cooked chicken
Bacon bits
Parmesan cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Cream cheese
Sour cream
Red pepper flakes
Mushrooms
Spinach
Cooked sausage
Ritz cracker topping
Breadcrumb topping
Extra cheddar cheese
Garlic butter
Cajun seasoning
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Penne Bake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F / 190°C.
Lightly grease a baking dish with butter, oil, or nonstick spray.
This helps prevent the creamy pasta from sticking and makes cleanup easier after baking.
Step 2: Cook the Penne Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the penne pasta and cook until just al dente.
Do not overcook the pasta because it will continue to soften in the oven while baking with the creamy sauce.
Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli
If using fresh broccoli, cut it into small florets.
Steam or boil the broccoli for a few minutes until slightly tender but still bright green.
If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain it well.
The broccoli should not be too watery, or the casserole may become loose.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, add the broccoli cheese soup and heavy whipping cream.
Stir until smooth and creamy.
The soup gives the bake its cheesy broccoli flavor, while the heavy cream makes the sauce rich and silky.
Step 5: Season the Sauce
Add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Stir well so the seasonings are evenly mixed into the sauce.
Taste the sauce before adding too much salt because the soup and cheese may already be salty.
Step 6: Add the Pasta
Add the cooked penne pasta to the creamy sauce.
Stir gently until the pasta is fully coated.
Make sure the sauce gets inside and around the penne so every bite is creamy.
Step 7: Add the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets to the pasta mixture.
Fold gently so the broccoli stays in pieces and does not break apart too much.
The broccoli adds freshness, color, and a classic broccoli cheddar flavor.
Step 8: Add Cheddar Cheese
Stir in some shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Sharp cheddar gives the pasta bake a stronger cheesy flavor and melts beautifully into the sauce.
Save extra cheddar cheese for the top.
Step 9: Transfer to the Baking Dish
Spoon the creamy broccoli penne mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Spread it out evenly with a spoon or spatula.
Make sure the broccoli is spread throughout the dish so every serving gets some.
Step 10: Add the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
Cover the pasta fully so the top bakes into a golden, bubbly cheese layer.
You can use extra cheese if you want the bake richer and more loaded.
Step 11: Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the sauce is hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
If you want the top more golden, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Watch closely so the cheese does not burn.
Step 12: Rest Before Serving
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
This helps the sauce settle and makes the pasta easier to scoop.
The bake will still be warm, creamy, and cheesy.
Step 13: Garnish
Sprinkle parsley over the top if desired.
You can also add extra black pepper, Parmesan cheese, or crispy bacon bits before serving.
Step 14: Serve Warm
Serve warm while the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
This dish works as a full meatless dinner or as a hearty side dish with chicken, steak, pork chops, or roasted vegetables.
Serving Ideas
This Broccoli Cheese Penne Bake is perfect for:
Weeknight dinners
Family meals
Potlucks
Holiday sides
Comfort food nights
Meal prep lunches
Sunday dinner
Busy school nights
Vegetarian dinners
Pasta nights
Casserole meals
Cozy weekend dinners
Easy side dishes
Kid-friendly meals
Cheesy dinner plates
What to Serve With It
This pasta bake pairs perfectly with:
Garlic bread
Caesar salad
Garden salad
Roasted chicken
Grilled chicken
Chicken tenders
Meatballs
Roasted broccoli
Green beans
Dinner rolls
Tomato soup
Baked salmon
Pork chops
Garlic knots
Fruit salad
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Frozen broccoli works well.
Thaw it first and drain it very well so the pasta bake does not become watery.
Can I use fresh broccoli?
Yes. Fresh broccoli is great.
Steam or boil it briefly before mixing it with the pasta so it becomes tender while baking.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes. Rotini, shells, elbows, rigatoni, ziti, or bowtie pasta all work well.
Penne is great because it holds the creamy sauce nicely.
Can I add chicken?
Yes. Cooked chicken makes this pasta bake heartier.
Rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or leftover chicken all work well.
Can I make it extra cheesy?
Yes. Add more cheddar inside the pasta mixture and on top.
You can also mix in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be lighter and less rich.
Heavy cream gives the creamiest texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the pasta bake, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. You can freeze it before or after baking.
For best results, thaw in the refrigerator before reheating or baking.
How do I keep it creamy?
Use enough sauce, do not overcook the pasta, and avoid baking too long.
If reheating leftovers, add a splash of cream or milk.
Can I add a crunchy topping?
Yes. Crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, or fried onions taste great on top.
Mix them with a little melted butter before sprinkling over the cheese.
20 Detailed Tips for the Best Broccoli Cheese Penne Bake
⭐ Cook the pasta just until al dente.
⭐ Drain the pasta well before mixing.
⭐ Cut broccoli into small florets.
⭐ Do not overcook the broccoli before baking.
⭐ Drain frozen broccoli very well.
⭐ Use broccoli cheese soup for easy flavor.
⭐ Add heavy cream for a richer sauce.
⭐ Use sharp cheddar for stronger cheese flavor.
⭐ Save extra cheddar for the topping.
⭐ Season the sauce before adding pasta.
⭐ Taste before adding too much salt.
⭐ Mix gently so the broccoli stays whole.
⭐ Grease the baking dish before adding pasta.
⭐ Spread the pasta evenly in the dish.
⭐ Bake until hot and bubbly.
⭐ Broil briefly for a golden cheese top.
⭐ Let the bake rest before serving.
⭐ Add cooked chicken for a full meal.
⭐ Reheat with a splash of milk or cream.
⭐ Make extra because this pasta bake is great for leftovers.
Fun Variations
Chicken Broccoli Cheese Penne Bake
Add cooked chopped chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken.
This version is hearty, creamy, and perfect for a full dinner.
Bacon Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Bake
Add crispy bacon bits into the pasta and sprinkle more on top.
The bacon adds smoky flavor and crunch.
Extra Creamy Broccoli Pasta Bake
Stir in cream cheese or sour cream with the sauce.
This makes the bake thicker, richer, and extra creamy.
Three Cheese Broccoli Penne Bake
Use cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan together.
This version is extra cheesy and perfect for cheese lovers.
Spicy Broccoli Cheese Pasta Bake
Add red pepper flakes, Cajun seasoning, or Pepper Jack cheese.
This gives the creamy casserole a little kick.
Crunchy Topped Broccoli Bake
Add crushed crackers or buttery breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking.
This creates a crispy golden topping.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Broccoli Cheese Penne Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The sauce may thicken as it cools.
To reheat, add a small splash of milk, cream, or water before warming.
Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.
If reheating in the oven, cover with foil at first to keep the pasta moist, then uncover near the end to refresh the cheesy top.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can cook the pasta and broccoli ahead of time.
You can also mix the sauce and shred the cheese before assembling.
To make ahead, combine the pasta, broccoli, sauce, and cheese in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate.
When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake until hot and bubbly.
If baking straight from the refrigerator, add extra baking time.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because it combines creamy broccoli cheese flavor with tender pasta and a golden cheddar topping.
The broccoli cheese soup creates a quick flavorful sauce, the heavy cream makes it smooth and rich, the cheddar cheese adds bold flavor, and the penne pasta holds everything together. Baking the dish gives it a bubbly, comforting casserole texture that is easy to serve and satisfying for the whole family.
The result is a creamy, cheesy, cozy pasta bake that feels simple, hearty, and homemade.
This Broccoli Cheese Penne Bake is creamy, cheesy, easy, and perfect for family dinners, potlucks, meal prep, or comfort food nights.
