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When it comes to family meals, few dishes can rival the comforting allure of a pasta bake. The Creamy Broccoli Almondine Pasta Bake stands out as a delightful combination of creamy flavors, nutritious broccoli, and crunchy almonds, making it a perfect choice for a wholesome dinner that the whole family will love. This dish not only satisfies your cravings for rich textures and tastes but also provides a well-rounded meal that incorporates vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates in one convenient serving.

Creamy Broccoli Almondine Pasta Bake

Discover the creamy goodness of Creamy Broccoli Almondine Pasta Bake, a delightful dish that brings comfort to family meals. This easy-to-make pasta bake features nutritious broccoli, crunchy almonds, and a rich cheese sauce, making it both delicious and wholesome. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe ensures everyone gets their veggies while enjoying a satisfying blend of flavors. Try it today for a meal everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne or rigatoni)

2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon lemon zest

Salt and pepper to taste

¾ cup sliced almonds, toasted

¼ cup breadcrumbs

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.

      Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, ensuring it doesn’t burn.

        Make the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the onion and garlic. Add the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.

          Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and broccoli with the creamy sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.

            Prepare for Baking: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch (or similar size) baking dish. Evenly spread the mixture to ensure it's well distributed.

              Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the toasted almonds and breadcrumbs together. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the pasta bake for a delightful crunch.

                Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.

                  Finish and Serve: Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 50 mins | 6 servings