Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Bake
Total Time: 00h 50m
Hands-on Time: 00h 20m
Makes: 6 servings
This broccoli cheddar casserole is not just bursting with cheddar flavor – it’s also bursting with protein from cottage cheese and high-protein pasta! Rich and creamy, it’s an easy way to get finnicky kids (and adults) to get in a serving of broccoli along with the protein and enjoy every bite.
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Ingredients
- 14 1/2 ounces high-protein elbow pasta
- 1 1/2 pounds broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 packet Simply Organic® Chicken Flavored Gravy Mix
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided and melted
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Sea salt, to taste
- Simply Organic® Black Pepper, to taste
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a pot, cook pasta in salted water, according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, in a pot with a steamer basket, add broccoli florets and steam until fork-tender.
- Into a blender, add milk, cottage cheese, half of the cheddar cheese, the Chicken Gravy Mix, flour and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Blend until completely smooth.
- In a 9-x-13-inch baking dish, add pasta, broccoli, parsley, salt, pepper and blended cheese sauce. Stir until well combined.
- In a small bowl, add breadcrumbs, remaining 1 tablespoon melted butter, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Top pasta mixture with remaining shredded cheese in an even layer, then top with breadcrumbs. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until cheese is melted and breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- If you prefer, you can steam the broccoli in the microwave: In a microwave-safe bowl, add broccoli and 3 tablespoons water, then cover with plastic wrap and poke a few holes in the top. Microwave for 3 to 4 minutes, until broccoli is fork-tender, then drain.
