• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it's al dente.
• Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Blanch the Broccoli:

• In the same pot, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water.
• Blanch them for about 2-3 minutes until they become bright green and slightly tender.
• Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Cheese Sauce:

• In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
• Stir in the flour to make a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps.
• Cook the sauce, whisking constantly, until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add the grated cheddar cheese and continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
• Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Combine Pasta, Broccoli, and Cheese Sauce:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and blanched broccoli.
• Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and broccoli, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.

Assemble and Bake:

• Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
• Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top to create a crispy crust.

Bake:

• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
• Bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.

Serve:

• Remove the broccoli pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

  Enjoy your delicious broccoli pasta bake!

  Note: Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.