Creamy Broccoli Almondine Pasta Bake -

Creamy Broccoli Almondine Pasta Bake

Discover the irresistible Creamy Broccoli Almondine Pasta Bake, a perfect blend of comfort and nutrition! This dish features al dente pasta, vibrant broccoli, and crunchy toasted almonds, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. Ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, this pasta bake promises a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Learn how to create this mouthwatering dish that's sure to impress family and friends alike. Dive into a world of creamy goodness that nourishes the soul!

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Ingredients

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

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 cup sliced almonds, toasted

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon lemon zest (freshly grated)

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.

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

Create the Cream Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.

Combine Sauce Ingredients: Lower the heat and carefully pour the heavy cream into the skillet. Stir in the lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Slowly add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Mix Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta and broccoli with the cream sauce. Gently fold in half of the toasted almonds and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese to ensure even distribution.

Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top, followed by the remaining toasted almonds to add a delightful crunch.

Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The dish is ready when the cheese is beautifully bubbly and golden brown on top.

Garnish and Enjoy: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a touch of color and freshness.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

15 minutes | 50 minutes | Serves 6-8

- Presentation Tips: Serve directly from the baking dish, or spoon portions onto individual plates. Consider adding a lemon wedge on the side for an extra burst of flavor!