Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Rigatoni Bake
Indulge in this delightful Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Rigatoni Bake, a comforting dish that’s perfect for any gathering or family meal. This flavorful concoction features al dente rigatoni pasta tossed in a rich, creamy garlic sauce, complemented by vibrant, tender broccoli florets. Topped with generous amounts of melty mozzarella cheese, this dish not only pleases the palate but also brings an irresistible cheese pull that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect as a side or a wholesome entrée when paired with chicken or shrimp, this recipe comes straight from the beloved Taste of Home Parties, Potlucks & Barbecue cookbook – guaranteed to earn you compliments at any table!
N/A
Servings
242
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rigatoni pasta
12 ounces (uncooked)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Butter
1/4 cup (cubed)
All-purpose flour
1/4 cup
Salt
1 teaspoon
Olive oil
1 tablespoon
Nonfat milk
2 1/2 cups
Fresh broccoli florets
5 cups
Part-skim mozzarella cheese
2 cups (shredded, divided)
Instructions
1
1. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking; set aside.
2
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic for about 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
3
3. Stir in the flour and salt, mixing well until a paste forms. Gradually whisk in the nonfat milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
4
4. In a separate large saucepan, bring 1 inch of water to a boil. Add the fresh broccoli florets, cover, and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until they are crisp-tender. Drain and rinse the broccoli with cold water to stop the cooking process.
5
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
6
6. In a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray, spread 1 cup of the white sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the cooked rigatoni, followed by half of the broccoli and 1/2 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
7
7. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, broccoli, and another 1/2 cup of cheese. Top with the remaining white sauce and finish with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
8
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to get a lovely golden top.
9
9. Let cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy your cheesy, creamy masterpiece!
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
25g
Carbs
11g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Rigatoni Bake?
It is a comforting pasta dish featuring rigatoni tossed in a creamy garlic sauce with tender broccoli florets and melted mozzarella cheese.
How many calories are in a serving of this bake?
Each serving contains approximately 242 calories.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of uncooked rigatoni pasta.
How much garlic is needed for the sauce?
You will need 3 minced garlic cloves.
What type of milk is used for the creamy sauce?
The recipe specifies using 2 1/2 cups of nonfat milk.
How much broccoli do I need?
You will need 5 cups of fresh broccoli florets.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 cups of shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided for layering and topping.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long should the dish bake?
The dish should bake for 25 to 30 minutes in total until heated through and bubbly.
Why do I need to cover the dish with foil?
Covering the dish with aluminum foil helps heat the contents through without burning the cheese on top.
When should I remove the foil during baking?
Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to achieve a lovely golden top.
How do I prevent the rigatoni from sticking after boiling?
Toss the drained pasta with one tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
How long should I saute the garlic?
Saute the minced garlic in butter for about 2 minutes until it is fragrant but not browned.
What size baking dish is required?
You should use a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
How do I prepare the broccoli before layering?
Simmer the florets in 1 inch of boiling water for 4 to 5 minutes until crisp-tender, then rinse with cold water.
What are the nutritional macros for this dish?
It contains 11g of fat, 25g of carbohydrates, and 11g of protein.
Can this recipe be served as a main entree?
Yes, it works perfectly as a wholesome entree, especially when paired with chicken or shrimp.
What is the base of the white sauce?
The sauce base is made by creating a roux with 1/4 cup butter and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, then adding milk.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, coat the baking dish with nonstick cooking spray before assembly.
What is the first layer in the baking dish?
Start by spreading 1 cup of the prepared white sauce on the bottom of the dish.
How do I layer the pasta and broccoli?
Layer half of the rigatoni, half of the broccoli, and 1/2 cup of mozzarella, then repeat the process.
Where does this recipe come from?
This recipe is from the Taste of Home Parties, Potlucks and Barbecue cookbook.
How much butter is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of cubed butter.
Is there salt in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt in the sauce.
Should the pasta be fully cooked before baking?
The pasta should be cooked until al dente according to the package directions.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
While the recipe specifies fresh broccoli florets, frozen could be used if thawed and drained well.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients in this recipe.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, let the bake cool for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven to help it set.
What makes the sauce thick?
The combination of flour and milk brought to a gentle boil for 2 minutes causes the sauce to thicken.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a cheesy comfort food casserole.