Halloween Cheesy Broccoli Pasta (Print Version)

Cheesy pasta bake with broccoli, Halloween shapes, creamy sauce, and crisp topping. Family favorite comfort food.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz Halloween-shaped or regular pasta

→ Vegetables

02 - 12 oz broccoli florets, cut into bite-size pieces
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced

→ Cheese Sauce

05 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter
06 - 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
07 - 2 ½ cups whole milk
08 - 7 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
09 - 2 oz mozzarella cheese, grated
10 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
11 - ½ tsp paprika
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Topping

13 - ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
14 - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
15 - 1 tbsp olive oil

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish.
02 - Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta according to package directions, adding broccoli florets during the final 3 minutes of cooking. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
03 - In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, approximately 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed aromatics. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns lightly golden, forming a roux.
05 - Gradually incorporate the whole milk into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, continuing to whisk until the sauce has thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
06 - Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
07 - Gently fold the cooked pasta and broccoli into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
08 - In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Mix until well combined.
09 - Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the pasta in the baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling. For enhanced crispiness, you may broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
10 - Allow the bake to cool slightly before serving hot. For a festive presentation, consider garnishing with edible Halloween shapes such as olive spiders or pepper jack-o'-lantern faces.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in under an hour for busy Halloween nights
  • Uses simple ingredients you likely already have
  • Kid friendly but sophisticated enough for adults
  • Perfect make ahead dish for Halloween parties
02 -
  • Perfect for sneaking vegetables into picky eaters diets
  • Can be prepared a day ahead and baked when needed
  • Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months
03 -
  • Always slightly undercook your pasta since it will continue cooking in the oven
  • Grate cheese yourself rather than using pre shredded for smoother melting
  • Let the pasta bake rest for 10 minutes before serving to set up properly

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