Pixicook
HomeRecipesPastaGolden Broccoli-Penne Gratin
recipe image

Golden Broccoli-Penne Gratin

clock-icon20 minutes
author-image
Author
Pixicook editorial team

Savor the comfort of a hearty, vegetarian gratin with our Golden Broccoli-Penne Gratin. Penne pasta and fresh broccoli are enveloped in a light, creamy sauce, topped with a savory cheese crust, and baked to perfection. This dish promises a delightful crunch with every bite and can be served straight from the oven in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients for Golden Broccoli-Penne Gratin

units in
USchevron
serves
4 peoplechevron

Penne Pasta

0 oz

Vegetable Stock Cube

each

Mustard

teaspoons

Half-fat Crème Fraîche

0 oz

Cheddar

0 oz

Thyme

teaspoons

How to Make Golden Broccoli-Penne Gratin

1. Pasta Prep

Begin by boiling the penne, chopped onion, and broccoli stalks in a large pot of lightly salted water. After approximately 7 minutes, introduce the broccoli florets, and continue to cook for an additional 3 minutes.

2. Sauce Creation

Before draining, reserve about 400ml of the cooking water. Dissolve the vegetable stock cube in the reserved water. Whisk in the mustard and crème fraîche, and season to taste. Bring this mixture to a boil.

3. Combine & Melt

Return the drained pasta and vegetables to the sauce. Add half of the grated cheese and mix until the cheese has melted and the pasta is evenly coated. Fold in the chopped parsley.

4. Crisp Topping

Preheat your grill for 3 minutes. Transfer the pasta and vegetables to a shallow, ovenproof dish. Combine the remaining cheese with breadcrumbs and dried herbs. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the pasta.

5. Grill to Perfection

Place the dish on the base of the grill pan. Grill for about 3 minutes, turning to ensure even browning. Watch carefully to prevent burning and toughening of the cheese. Once golden, remove from grill and let stand for 5 minutes.

Pitfalls and tips

Quality Ingredients

Use fresh, in-season broccoli and high-quality cheese, such as aged cheddar or Gruyère for deeper flavor. Fresh-grated Parmesan is superior to pre-grated varieties.

Béchamel Sauce

Make a smooth béchamel by starting with a roux cooked to a light golden color, and warm your milk before adding for a lump-free sauce.

Pasta Al Dente

Cook your penne to al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven. Salt the pasta water generously for seasoning.

Blanching Broccoli

Blanch the broccoli until just tender and shock it in ice water to stop cooking and set the color, maintaining some bite after baking.

Seasoning

Season each component well – pasta, broccoli, béchamel, and breadcrumbs. Adjust with salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg in the béchamel.

Comments (0)

Add your comment...

Explore More Pasta recipes

Explore More Collections

Dashi with Cod and Clams

Mushroom Soup

One-Pot Orzo with Snap Peas, Asparagus, and Basil

Easter Brunch

Crispy Skin Chicken Thigh with Garlic-Caper Pan Sauce

Quick Chicken

Caramelized Skillet Shrimp with Optional Citrus or Chipotle Glaze

Quick Easy Shrimp Saute