Broccoli Pesto Pasta Bake

Meta Description: This broccoli pesto pasta bake recipe is a perfect, easy, and healthy weeknight dinner.¹ Discover how to make a delicious baked pasta dish with a vibrant, flavorful homemade pesto.

Growing up, pasta night was a sacred tradition in my family. It was the one night a week where everyone gathered around the table, and the aroma of simmering tomato sauce filled the house. But as I got older and started cooking for myself, I realized that as much as I loved the classics, I needed something new. Something that was still comforting and easy, but also packed with flavor and a little bit of a surprise. I was also trying to find ways to sneak more vegetables into my meals, which is how I stumbled upon the idea of a broccoli pesto pasta bake.

My first attempt was born out of sheer curiosity. I had a head of broccoli that was begging to be used, and a food processor that was just sitting there. I decided to try making a pesto out of broccoli instead of the usual basil. The result was a revelation. It had the same creamy, nutty texture of traditional pesto, but with a deeper, earthier flavor. I tossed it with some pasta and a few simple ingredients and popped it in the oven. What came out was a cheesy, golden-brown masterpiece that was both familiar and exciting. It was a dish that felt like a hug in a bowl, a total game-changer for my weeknight dinner routine.

This recipe is designed to be a healthy and delicious alternative to a classic baked pasta. It’s a testament to the fact that you can use simple ingredients to create something truly special. The key is in the layering of flavors and textures—the vibrant, earthy pesto, the tender pasta, and the gooey, melted cheese. It’s a versatile dish that works perfectly for meal prep and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it to your family or a group of friends. So, let’s get cooking and create a hearty, flavorful pasta bake that will warm you from the inside out.

🥦 The Magic of Broccoli Pesto

The pesto is the heart and soul of this broccoli pesto pasta bake. While traditional pesto uses basil, we’re going to use broccoli. This might sound strange, but trust me, it works. Broccoli, when blended, creates a creamy, rich texture that is the perfect base for our pesto. It also adds a ton of nutrients, making this a healthier alternative to a classic pesto.

The process is simple. We’ll start by steaming or blanching the broccoli florets until they are bright green and tender-crisp. You don’t want to overcook them, as they will be blended later. This quick cooking process brings out their natural sweetness and makes them easier to blend.

Once the broccoli is cooked, we’ll blend it with the same ingredients you’d find in a classic pesto: garlic, a good quality olive oil, some toasted pine nuts or walnuts, and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese. The combination of these ingredients creates a pesto that is earthy, nutty, and savory, with a hint of garlic and a beautiful, vibrant green color. It’s a flavor that is both unique and incredibly delicious.

🧀 Choosing the Right Cheeses

A baked pasta dish is only as good as its cheese. The gooey, melted cheese on top is what makes a pasta bake so comforting and irresistible. For this recipe, we’ll use a combination of cheeses to get the perfect flavor and texture.

The first cheese we’ll use is a good melting cheese, like shredded mozzarella or a blend of mozzarella and provolone. This is what will give you that beautiful, cheesy pull when you serve the pasta. The second cheese we’ll use is a hard, salty cheese like grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano.² We’ll add this to the pesto to give it a salty, nutty flavor, and we’ll also sprinkle it on top of the pasta bake before it goes in the oven for a beautiful, golden crust.

The combination of these two cheeses gives you the perfect balance of flavor and texture—a gooey, melty interior with a crispy, golden-brown top. It’s the perfect way to finish off a pasta bake and a sure-fire way to make everyone at the table happy.

✅ Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is flexible. Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape and adjust the spices to your liking.

• For the Broccoli Pesto:
  • 2 cups broccoli florets (from about 1 large head)
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil³
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese⁴
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts⁵
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled⁶
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
• For the Pasta Bake:
  • 1 lb penne or rotini pasta⁷
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, for topping
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)⁸
• For Garnish & Serving:
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped⁹
  • A drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze
  • Toasted bread or a side salad

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this broccoli pesto pasta bake is a simple process that builds on itself. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious, flavorful meal on your table in no time.

1. Prep the Broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil.¹⁰ Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain the broccoli and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.¹¹ This will help the broccoli retain its vibrant color. Once cooled, drain well and pat dry.
2. Make the Pesto: In a food processor, combine the cooled broccoli, grated Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until everything is roughly chopped. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto is a smooth, creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook the Pasta: While the pesto is being made, cook the pasta according to the package directions, but remove it from the heat 2 minutes before the suggested cooking time. Drain the pasta and set it aside. This ensures the pasta won’t be mushy after it’s baked.
4. Assemble the Pasta Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the broccoli pesto, and the shredded mozzarella cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the pesto.¹² Add the red pepper flakes if using.
5. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.¹³ Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and a beautiful golden brown.¹⁴
6. Serve: Let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley and a drizzle of olive oil if you like.

🤔 Common Questions & Troubleshooting

This is a very forgiving recipe, but a few questions might come up. Here are some answers and tips to ensure your pasta bake is perfect every time.

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?

A: Yes! Frozen broccoli works perfectly fine for this recipe. Just make sure to steam it until it’s tender and pat it dry before you put it in the food processor.

Q: My pesto is too thick. What can I do?

A: This is an easy fix! Simply add a tablespoon of water or a little bit more olive oil at a time until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. The thickness can vary depending on the type of nuts you use.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can assemble the entire pasta bake up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit on the counter for 20-30 minutes to take the chill off before placing it in the oven.

Q: Can I make this a high-protein meal?

A: Absolutely. This recipe is a great canvas for adding protein. You can add some grilled chicken, cooked sausage, or a can of rinsed and drained chickpeas to the pasta mixture before baking. For a plant-based protein boost, you can add some roasted chickpeas or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Variations

This broccoli pesto pasta bake is a complete meal, but a few additions can take it to the next level.

• Pairings: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect companion for this rich and creamy pasta bake. A side of warm, crusty bread would also be perfect for soaking up all the extra sauce.
• Add a Protein: For a heartier meal, you can add some grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, or even some bacon or prosciutto to the pasta mixture before baking. For a plant-based option, some roasted chickpeas or a few handfuls of white beans would be delicious.
• Different Vegetables: The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can add other vegetables to the pesto, such as spinach, kale, or even a handful of arugula for a peppery flavor.¹⁵ You can also add some sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers to the pasta mixture before baking.
• Cheese Variations: Swap out the mozzarella and Parmesan for different cheeses. A spicy pepper jack would add a nice kick, or a little bit of crumbled feta would add a tangy flavor that would pair beautifully with the pesto.

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on standard ingredient values and may vary.

✨ A New Family Favorite

This broccoli pesto pasta bake is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the fact that you can use simple ingredients to create something truly special. It’s a dish that feels comforting, satisfying, and incredibly delicious. The combination of the vibrant, earthy pesto and the cheesy, gooey pasta is a flavor profile that will have you coming back for seconds.

I hope this recipe helps you find a new favorite and that it becomes a staple in your kitchen. It’s a great way to use up fresh vegetables and create a meal that’s both healthy and incredibly satisfying. Give it a try, and don’t be afraid to make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients and toppings. Happy cooking!