This is one of my go-to comfort dinners using staples from Trader Joe’s. Turn a few of your favorite store finds into a cozy Broccoli Fusilli Pasta Bake that’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with broccoli, an easy casserole that comes together quickly for a satisfying weeknight meal.
If you love easy dinners made with simple grocery shortcuts, this Easy Trader Joe’s Broccoli Fusilli Pasta Bake is about to become a regular on your menu.
Tender pasta, broccoli, and plenty of melty cheese bake together into a cozy, creamy casserole that tastes like comfort food without a lot of work.
It’s the kind of quick weeknight dinner you can throw together with a handful of Trader Joe’s staples and still feel like you cooked something special.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Quick Weeknight Dinner: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this perfect for busy nights.
- Comfort Food Favorite: Creamy pasta, tender broccoli, and melted cheese baked together.
- Budget Friendly: Made with a few affordable staples from Trader Joe’s.
- Family Approved: A cozy pasta bake both kids and adults happily dig into.
- Great for Leftovers: Reheats well, making lunch the next day just as tasty.
If you love easy Trader Joe’s Pasta Recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Pasta, Trader Joe’s Famous Wonton Soup Recipe, or Air Fryer Lobster Bisque Pasta.
Ingredients Needed
- Fusilli Pasta: Large spiral pasta that holds sauce well
- Broccoli: Fresh florets add color, texture, and nutrition
- Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, creamy base for the sauce
- Milk: Helps thin the sauce while keeping it smooth
- Olive Oil or Butter: Used to sauté garlic and add flavor
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds bold savory flavor
- Kosher Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish
- Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and balanced seasoning
- Garlic Powder: Boosts the savory garlic flavor in sauce
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Tangy, slightly sweet tomatoes add bold flavor
- Parmesan Cheese: Salty cheese adds depth and richness
- Burrata Cheese: Creamy cheese topping that melts into the pasta
Recipe Variations
- Add Chicken: Stir in cooked grilled or rotisserie chicken for a heartier, protein-packed pasta bake.
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a spoonful of chili crisp for a little heat.
- Extra Veggies: Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted zucchini.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Add shredded mozzarella or extra parmesan.
- Make It Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or additional milk.
- Add Crunch: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or panko on top before baking.
- Swap the Pasta: Use penne, rigatoni, or shells if you don’t have fusilli on hand.
How To Make Trader Joe’s Broccoli Fusilli Pasta Bake
Step One: Gently blanch the broccoli in lightly salted water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to cold water to stop cooking and keep the bright green color. Drain and purée the broccoli with heavy cream and milk, then set aside.
Step Two: In a pan, heat olive oil, butter, or a combination of both. Sauté the chopped garlic briefly, then add the broccoli and cream mixture, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Step Three: Stir in the cooked pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and some grated parmesan cheese, letting the pasta simmer until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and mix in fresh chopped basil.
Step Four: Transfer the pasta to your air fryer basket, place the burrata on top, and let it melt for a few minutes. For serving, season the melted burrata with a pinch of salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness and presentation.
Trader Joe’s Broccoli Fusilli Pasta Bake Recipe Tips
- Blanch the Broccoli: Quickly blanching broccoli keeps it bright green and tender without overcooking.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic sautéed briefly in olive oil or butter adds a fragrant, flavorful base.
- Season Well: Salt, black pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder enhance the sauce and bring out the flavors.
- Cream Consistency: Adjust heavy cream and milk as needed to get a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chop them smaller if needed so they mix easily into the pasta and release flavor throughout.
- Air Fryer Finish: Melting burrata in the air fryer adds a creamy, indulgent topping that looks impressive and tastes rich.
- Optional Garnishes: Finish with fresh basil, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor and color.
Storing and Reheating Instructions
- Storing: Place leftover pasta bake in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Allow it to cool slightly before storing to maintain texture and flavor.
- Freezing: Freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2–3 minutes until warmed through. For a crispier top, place in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
Trader Joe’s Broccoli Fusilli Pasta Bake Recipe Faqs
Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or shells all work well if you don’t have fusilli on hand.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the pasta and sauce, then refrigerate until ready to bake or air fry.
How do I make the pasta bake extra creamy? Add a little more heavy cream or milk when puréeing the broccoli to reach your desired consistency.
Can I add protein to this dish? Yes, cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas can be stirred in for a heartier meal.
Can I skip the burrata? Definitely. You can use mozzarella, ricotta, or extra parmesan as a topping instead.
Can I add other vegetables? Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted peppers all work well to add flavor and nutrition.
More Easy Trader Joe’s Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Trader Joe’s Famous Wonton Soup Recipe
Trader Joe’s Easy Sesame Brussels Sprouts And Lentil Salad
Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Lobster Ravioli
Trader Joe’s Shawarma Chicken Bowls
Crispy Panko Air Fryer Haddock
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Easy Trader Joe’s Broccoli Fusilli Pasta Bake
Description
Ingredients
- 32 ounces fusilli, huge pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets, or 1 head
- ¼ cup heavy cream, add more if needed
- ¼ cup milk, add more if needed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, or butter
- 2 tablespoons garlic
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 8.5 ounces Sundried Tomatoes
- ½ tablespoon grated parmesan cheese, adjust to taste
- 2 pieces burrata cheese
- 1/2 cup basil, optional
Instructions
- Gently blanch the 2 cups broccoli florets in lightly salted water for 2–3 minutes, then immediately transfer to cold water to stop cooking and keep the bright green color. Drain and purée the broccoli with ¼ cup heavy cream and ¼ cup milk, then set aside.
- In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oilbutter, or a combination of both. Sauté the chopped 2 tablespoons garlic briefly, then stir in the broccoli and cream mixture, seasoning with ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
- Add the cooked 32 ounces fusilli, 8.5 ounces Sundried Tomatoes, and ½ tablespoon grated parmesan cheese, allowing the mixture to simmer until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and fold in fresh 1/2 cup basil
- Transfer the pasta to your air fryer basket and top with 2 pieces burrata cheese, letting it melt for a few minutes.
- Finish with a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness and flavor. (optional)
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Whisk
Nutrition
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