Baked Broccoli With Cheese And Tomatoes
A savory baked broccoli dish layered with cheese and tomatoes, combining roasted flavors with pasta, perfect for a comforting family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown chopped garlic in olive or corn oil until light brown.
- Add broccoli florets and 1/2 cup water; cook covered for 6 to 8 minutes.
- Mix in Italian cheese and stir.
- Remove from heat and transfer to an appropriate size baking pan.
- Mix the cooked broccoli and cheese with cooked penne-sized macaroni.
- Layer slices of cheese on top of the mixture, and place sliced cheese on top of the tomatoes.
- Arrange sliced tomatoes over the cheese layer.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 30 minutes, covered with foil.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like basil or oregano when cooking the broccoli. If you want to switch up the cheese, Gruyère or Cheddar can work well in place of the white or yellow cheese. You can also add cooked chicken or sausage for a heartier dish. Remember, don’t overcrowd the baking pan to ensure even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot as a main course or as a side to grilled meats or fish. It pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Easy Spaghetti And Meatballs. A crisp green salad or garlic bread would complement this baked dish nicely, adding freshness and crunch to the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked broccoli with cheese and tomatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Broccoli With Cheese And Tomatoes contains roughly 385 calories, with 15g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 710mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets in this recipe. However, be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the dish. Adjust the cooking time as needed since frozen broccoli may cook faster than fresh.
What can I substitute for the macaroni?
If you don't have penne-sized macaroni, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, like rotini or fusilli. Gluten-free pasta options also work well if you're looking for a gluten-free meal. Just be sure to cook the pasta according to package instructions before mixing it with the other ingredients.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to this dish, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when cooking the garlic. You could also serve it with a side of spicy marinara sauce for dipping. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference for the perfect kick!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).