Dump and Bake Broccoli Cheddar Pasta

If you love comfort food but don’t want to spend hours cooking, this Dump and Bake Broccoli Cheddar Pasta is about to become a new favorite. This easy one-dish dinner combines tender pasta, fresh broccoli, creamy cheese sauce, and melted cheddar—all baked together in a single pan.

The best part? There’s no need to boil the pasta beforehand. Everything cooks together in the baking dish, allowing the pasta to absorb the rich flavors of chicken broth, cream, and cheese as it bakes.

The result is a creamy, cheesy casserole-style pasta that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or simple meal prep.

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Why I Love This Recipe

This recipe is a lifesaver when you want a comforting dinner with minimal effort.

Here’s why it’s so popular:

• No boiling required
• Minimal prep time
• Only one baking dish to clean
• Perfect balance of pasta, vegetables, and cheese
• Kid-friendly and family-approved

Because it’s rich and creamy, I like serving it with something fresh like Easy Homemade Caesar Salad with Chicken to balance the meal.

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Ingredients

• 7.5 oz Philadelphia whipped chive or garlic and herb cream cheese
• 12 oz dry pasta (rotini, penne, cellentani, or fusilli)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp seasoning salt
• 0.67 cup heavy cream

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Ingredient Swaps and Notes

One of the great things about this dish is how adaptable it is.

Pasta Options

Short pasta shapes work best, such as:

• Rotini
• Penne
• Fusilli
• Cellentani

These shapes hold the creamy sauce beautifully.

Cream Cheese Flavor

The chive or garlic-herb cream cheese adds extra flavor, but you can also use:

• Plain cream cheese
• Vegetable cream cheese
• Whipped herb cheese

Broccoli Options

Fresh broccoli gives the best texture, but frozen broccoli florets also work—just thaw and drain them first.

Protein Additions

For a heartier meal, try adding:

• Rotisserie chicken
• Cooked bacon
• Grilled sausage
• Shrimp

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How to Make Dump and Bake Broccoli Cheddar Pasta

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Combine the Base Ingredients

In a large baking dish, add:

• Dry pasta
• Chopped broccoli
• Olive oil
• Chicken broth
• Seasoning salt
• Heavy cream

Stir well so everything is evenly distributed.

3. Add the Cheeses

Dollop the whipped cream cheese across the dish.

Sprinkle 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture.

Gently stir, leaving some cheese on the top layer.

4. Bake Covered

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Bake for 25 minutes so the pasta absorbs the liquid and begins to soften.

5. Add More Cheese

Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese over the top.

6. Finish Baking

Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Rest Before Serving

Allow the pasta to rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens.

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Tips for the Best Pasta Bake

Use enough liquid

The broth and cream help cook the pasta while creating the sauce.

Cover tightly with foil

This traps steam and ensures the pasta cooks evenly.

Cut broccoli into small florets

Smaller pieces cook more evenly with the pasta.

Shred cheese from a block

Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Because this dish is creamy and rich, lighter sides complement it perfectly.

Try serving it with:

• Fresh greens like Easy Homemade Caesar Salad with Chicken
• A chilled side such as Easy Classic Pasta Salad for Any Gathering
• A protein-packed dish like Easy Meal Prep Chicken Salad: Classic & Creative Riffs

For a casual lunch menu the next day, something like The Ultimate Turkey Club Wrap for Easy Lunches pairs nicely with leftovers.

If you enjoy creamy pasta dishes, you might also love Fettuccine Alfredo – The Creamy Pasta That Became a Comfort Food Favorite.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values:

• Calories: 400
• Fat: 18 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Protein: 15 g

This makes the dish hearty and satisfying while still offering a serving of vegetables.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

This pasta bake stores well and is great for leftovers.

Refrigeration

• Store in an airtight container
• Keeps for 3–4 days

Reheating

• Reheat in the microwave or oven at 325°F for about 15 minutes

Freezing

• Freeze portions for up to 2 months
• Thaw overnight before reheating

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More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoy easy comfort meals like this one, try these reader favorites:

• Easy Classic Pasta Salad for Any Gathering
• Easy Homemade Caesar Salad with Chicken
• Easy Meal Prep Chicken Salad: Classic & Creative Riffs
• The Ultimate Turkey Club Wrap for Easy Lunches
• Fettuccine Alfredo – The Creamy Pasta That Became a Comfort Food Favorite

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Final Thoughts

This Dump and Bake Broccoli Cheddar Pasta proves that delicious comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and one baking dish, you can create a creamy, cheesy dinner that everyone will love.

It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, family meals, or simple meal prep, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out and what fun additions you made to customize it!