Gouda Cheese & Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe

If you’ve ever craved an ultra-creamy, flavor-packed comfort meal that seamlessly blends vegetables and cheese, then you’re about to meet your new obsession: Gouda Cheese & Broccoli Pasta Bake. Rich with melting Gouda, sharp Cheddar, and a trifecta of succulent chicken, hearty broccoli, and pasta, this dish is the weeknight hero you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or indulging in a solo comfort food feast, the layers of creaminess and subtle smokiness in this Gouda Cheese & Broccoli Pasta Bake promise joy in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this dish special is its harmony of simple ingredients—each one brings something essential to the table. From the juicy chicken to three types of cheese, every component adds flavor, texture, or vibrant color to our irresistible casserole.

• Chicken breast (400g): Tender chicken is the heart of this bake, soaking up spices and turning every forkful into a protein-packed delight.
• Chicken seasoning (1 tsp): A blend that adds depth and savory notes to the chicken, giving every bite a subtle flavor boost.
• Onion granules (1 tsp): These add a sweet, aromatic layer that fuses beautifully with the cheese sauce.
• Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Essential for a gentle smoky flavor, enhancing the sauce and the seasoned chicken.
• Salt (1 tsp): The universal flavor enhancer—don’t skip it!
• Dried rosemary (1 tsp): This savory herb lends a cozy, woodsy fragrance to the chicken.
• Butter (100g): The start of a luscious, velvety cheese sauce base you’ll want to swipe with your spoon.
• Flour (75g): Helps create that thick, clinging cheese sauce that envelops every inch of the pasta and broccoli.
• Milk (900ml-1000ml): The essential liquid for building our creamy, comforting sauce.
• Cheddar cheese (175g): Adds tang and sharpness to balance the sweet Gouda. Use extra for the irresistible golden topping.
• Gouda cheese (175g): Melts luxuriously and gives our Gouda Cheese & Broccoli Pasta Bake its signature richness and mellow sweetness.
• Mozzarella (125g): For those dreamy, oozy cheese strings in every serving.
• Onion powder (1 tbsp): Infuses the sauce with a bigger, bolder onion note.
• Paprika (1 tbsp): Repeats that subtle warmth from the chicken and tints the sauce an inviting golden hue.
• Parsley (1 tbsp): Brings a fresh, green touch to brighten up the cheese sauce.
• Garlic cloves, finely chopped (2): Fragrance city—garlic gives everything that homey, savory edge.
• Broccoli, roughly chopped (200g): Not just for color! Broccoli adds fiber, flavor, and makes the bake feel just a touch healthier.
• Cheddar, for topping (100g): Because every pasta bake deserves a bubbling, cheesy crust.
• Rigatoni (300g): The pasta shape that holds onto loads of sauce in every bite—perfection.

How to Make Gouda Cheese & Broccoli Pasta Bake

Step 1: Flavor and Cook the Chicken

Start by dicing your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with chicken seasoning, onion granules, smoked paprika, salt, and dried rosemary. Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat, then sauté the seasoned chicken for 8 to 10 minutes, until it’s cooked through and lightly golden. Set aside—this is where the baked dish gets its hearty, savory soul.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta & Broccoli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in your rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions—usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Two minutes before the pasta is ready, add the broccoli florets so they cook until just tender. Drain both pasta and broccoli together, then set aside. This trick gives you vibrant, perfectly cooked veggies without dirtying another pan.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the chopped garlic for one fragrant minute. Sprinkle in the flour to form a thick paste, stirring continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture turns golden and smells toasty (this is your roux). Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure the sauce stays smooth. Once it thickens after 3 to 5 minutes, stir in the onion powder, paprika, and parsley. Now add the cheddar, gouda, and mozzarella, stirring until the cheese is melted and you have a dreamy, velvety cheese sauce. This is where Gouda Cheese & Broccoli Pasta Bake gets its legendary flavor.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan) or 200°C (conventional). In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta, cooked chicken, broccoli, and all of that glorious cheese sauce. Mix everything well so the sauce hugs every piece. Pour the mixture into a generously buttered ovenproof dish, top with the reserved cheddar, and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. You’re looking for a golden, bubbling, irresistible crust on top—when you see that, you know your Gouda Cheese & Broccoli Pasta Bake is ready to shine.

Step 5: Let It Rest—Then Devour

Once your pasta bake is golden and bubbly, let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This little pause helps the sauce thicken just enough and makes each slice supremely satisfying. Gather everyone around and get ready for big, cheesy smiles!

How to Serve Gouda Cheese & Broccoli Pasta Bake

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, scatter a handful of chopped fresh parsley over the hot bake just before serving—it adds color and a delicate herbal lift. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a little crack of black pepper is always welcome, or try sprinkling on a few chili flakes for gentle heat.

Side Dishes

This Gouda Cheese & Broccoli Pasta Bake is satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a hunk of warm garlic bread or a crusty loaf to mop up the sauce. A bright tomato salad or roasted veggies alongside can also add freshness and crunch to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re making this for a gathering, assemble mini portions in individual ramekins for a dinner-party touch. For a fun, family-style meal, serve it right from the baking dish to the table and let everyone dig in. You can even layer the bake with extra broccoli or swap in colorful bell peppers for a playful twist on presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers (a big if!), let the Gouda Cheese & Broccoli Pasta Bake cool completely. Transfer portions to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully, making reheated slices just as delicious as the day you baked it.

Freezing

This recipe freezes exceptionally well. Assemble the pasta bake but hold off on the final cheese topping and baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before finishing with cheese and baking as usual.

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave until piping hot, or return the whole dish to the oven covered with foil at 180°C until warmed through, about 20 minutes. If the sauce looks thickened, add a splash of milk to loosen it back to creamy perfection.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is perfect for trapping the sauce, penne, fusilli, or even shells work wonderfully in this Gouda Cheese & Broccoli Pasta Bake. Just stick to similar cooking times for best texture.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

You can easily leave out the chicken or swap in sautéed mushrooms or roasted chickpeas for a satisfying meat-free alternative. The cheese sauce and broccoli are more than enough to bring big flavor.

What if I can’t find Gouda cheese?

If Gouda isn’t available, try using Edam, Havarti, or a mild Swiss as a substitute. However, Gouda Cheese & Broccoli Pasta Bake really shines best with Gouda’s creamy, mellow flavor.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy?

The key is to add the milk slowly to the roux, whisking constantly. If lumps do form, just keep whisking over low heat until they dissolve—don’t panic, cheese sauce is very forgiving.

Can I prepare Gouda Cheese & Broccoli Pasta Bake in advance?

Definitely! You can assemble the entire dish (up to the baking step), cover it, and refrigerate for up to a day. Then, when you’re ready, sprinkle with cheese and bake as directed for a stress-free, made-ahead meal.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to savor your first, forkful of Gouda Cheese & Broccoli Pasta Bake. The way the gooey cheese seeps into every piece of pasta and broccoli is pure comfort food heaven. Try it for your next dinner gathering or a cozy night in—you might just find yourself making it again and again!

Print