Baked Broccoli Penne

View Recipe  • Print Recipe

No boil!  No watching a pot of water for 10 minutes waiting for it to finally b-o-i-l.  I mean who has time for that?  So ya wanna know how I make pasta without having to boil water? Check out this NO BOIL, Baked Broccoli Penne!!! The kids loved it and they actually ate the broccoli!  I think all the cheese helps!

First mix all the ingredients, including DRY noodles, in a big ole bowl. Not a big bowl.  A big OLE bowl. 

For real…..pour it ALL in!

Mix it up real good.   The liquid will settle at the bottom but don’t worry.

Pour it all into a baking dish sprayed with non stick spray.

Pack it all in real good.  Tuck those noodles down into the liquid.  Add a little more milk if you feel it needs it. 

Sprinkle on some more cheese because mo’ cheese is mo’ betta!

Ahhhhh, that is it! It is THAT easy! Just be sure all the noodles are under the liquid.  If not, add some more milk and tuck them all in.  Cover with foil.  Then…….

You BAKE it!

Right in the sauce.  Just toss it all in the pan and B.A.K.E. it!   No steam, no straining, no waiting on the water to finally boil.  How about the best of all……no having to cook it AFTER you cook it.  Recipes that you have to cook before you cook, just don’t comprehend in my brain.  I mean if I loved this whole cooking thing, would I have created meal plans that cut out steps like boil in water, THEN bake? That would be a big fat N.O.  Efficiency is our word for today…… well, every day for me when it comes to cooking.

Hello flavor….oh the flavor because the pasta is not full of just plain water.  It fills with a rich cheesy sauce as it bakes.  YUM, YUM, YUM for cheesy sauce!  *disclaimer: this is the kid friendly version.  If you like zesty flavor, add 3 teaspoons minced garlic before adding to the baking dish.

Top it with even more cheese if you want…….I want, so I did.

So good.  Very Alfredo-y tasting. Even the non broccoli eaters have a hard time resisting broccoli covered in cheesy Alfredo sauce.

This recipe is featured on our Classic Meal Plans.  Want easy dinner ideas?  Try our Sample Membership. We did all the work so you don’t have to!

Baked Broccoli Penne

Baked Broccoli Penne

Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

Prep

• 12 oz dried penne pasta
• 12 oz frozen broccoli florets
• 1 1/2 C low fat shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 C grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 1/2 C low fat milk
• 1/2 C water
• 1/4 C butter melted
• 1/4 C flour
• salt and pepper to taste

On Cooking Day

• 6 C salad greens
• 1 package dinner rolls optional

Instructions

To Assemble

1. Add all ingredients (reserving 1/2 cup of mozzarella for topping) to a large bowl and mix well.
2. Pour into 9x13 baking dish, sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and cover with foil.

To Cook

1. Bake covered in a 350 degree oven for 35 - 45 minutes. Uncover last 5 - 10 minutes to brown cheese if desired.
2. Serve with dinner rolls.

Ingredients Prep 12 oz dried penne pasta 12 oz frozen broccoli florets 1 1/2 C low fat shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 C grated Parmesan cheese 2 1/2 C low fat milk 1/2 C water 1/4 C butter melted 1/4 C flour salt and pepper to taste On Cooking Day 6 C salad greens 1 package dinner rolls optional

Instructions To Assemble Add all ingredients (reserving 1/2 cup of mozzarella for topping) to a large bowl and mix well. Pour into 9x13 baking dish, sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and cover with foil. To Cook Bake covered in a 350 degree oven for 35 - 45 minutes. Uncover last 5 - 10 minutes to brown cheese if desired. Serve with dinner rolls.

*Add sliced boneless chicken breast for a heartier meal.

©5dinners1hour llc 2026 · viewed on www.5dinners1hour.com on 09/21/26

PIN FOR LATER