Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Broccoli Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a nutritious twist. It combines tender pasta shells (or classic elbow macaroni) coated in a velvety cheese sauce with crisp-tender broccoli florets folded in at just the right moment. The result is a creamy, rich, cheesy dish that satisfies your craving for indulgence while giving you a boost of green goodness.

This recipe brings together childhood nostalgia and feel-good nourishment. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, a comforting lunch, or a potluck worthy side dish, Broccoli Mac and Cheese strikes the perfect balance of flavor, creaminess, and nutrition. It’s easy to make, customizable, and loved by kids and adults alike.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms a classic comfort dish into something a bit more wholesome without sacrificing flavor or richness. The combination of creamy cheddar sauce and vibrant broccoli offers contrast in both texture and taste—soft pasta, crunchy florets, and silky sauce all in one bite.

It’s also a very forgiving recipe: you can adjust the cheese level, the type of pasta, or even sneak in extra veggies. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Nutritious + Comforting: You enjoy a comforting, cheesy dish with added vitamins, fiber, and color from broccoli.
• Customizable: From spice level to cheese variety to add-ins like chicken or bacon—this dish adapts to your taste.
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters often love cheesy broccoli, making this great for family meals.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for meal prep, lunchboxes, and freezing.
• One-Pot Simplicity: Minimal cleanup, maximum satisfaction.

Basic Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: Approximately 480 calories per serving (may vary based on cheese/pasta brand)
• Course: Main Course / Side Dish
• Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Ingredients

For the Pasta & Broccoli

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• Salt (for boiling)

For the Cheese Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred for creaminess)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional, for flavor depth)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp mustard powder (optional, enhances cheese flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Topping (for baked version)

• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• ¼ cup extra shredded cheddar

Cooking Directions (Overview)

1. Cook pasta until al dente.
2. Add broccoli to the pasta water during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
3. Make a roux with butter and flour, then whisk in milk to form a creamy base.
4. Stir in cheeses until melted and smooth.
5. Combine pasta, broccoli, and sauce.
6. Serve as is or bake with a crispy breadcrumb topping.

Step-By-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Step 2: Cook Broccoli

3. In the last 2 minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets to the same pot.
4. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

5. In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter on medium heat.
6. Add the flour and whisk for 1 minute to form a roux (it should be slightly bubbly, not brown).
7. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
8. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
9. Lower heat and add cheddar cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
10. Stir until the cheese melts completely into a smooth sauce.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

11. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli into the cheese sauce.
12. Stir gently until fully coated and heated through.

Optional Step 5: Bake for Crispy Top

13. Transfer to a baking dish.
14. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
15. Add extra cheese if desired.
16. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes, until golden brown.

How to Serve

• Serve hot and creamy straight from the pot.
• Pair with:
  • Garlic bread
  • Grilled chicken
  • A fresh green salad
  • Roasted vegetables
• For kids’ meals, serve with a simple fruit bowl on the side.

Recipe Tips

• Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Don’t overcook broccoli: Crisp-tender broccoli keeps its nutrients and texture.
• Whole milk = creamier sauce: But you can use low-fat if preferred.
• Add reserved pasta water if sauce thickens: This keeps the mac and cheese silky.
• For extra flavor: Add paprika, cayenne, or smoked cheese.

Variations

1. High-Protein Version

Add grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or sautéed shrimp.

2. Extra Veggie Mac

Include peas, carrots, spinach, or cauliflower for more color and nutrients.

3. Spicy Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Add:

• ½ tsp chili flakes
• Pepper jack cheese
• A little hot sauce

4. Three-Cheese Blend

Mix cheddar with:

• Gruyere
• Gouda
• Monterey Jack

5. Gluten-Free Version

Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free flour for the roux.

Freezing & Storage

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Freezing

• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Store in a freezer-safe container.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in a pot with milk.

Note:

The cheese sauce may separate slightly when thawed but will come back together with gentle heating and stirring.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Skillet or saucepan
• Whisk
• Colander
• Baking dish (optional, for baked version)

Conclusion

This Broccoli Mac and Cheese recipe is the perfect blend of comfort and nourishment. It’s creamy, flavorful, wholesome, and incredibly versatile—great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. Whether you enjoy it straight from the stovetop or baked to crispy, cheesy perfection, this dish never disappoints. With simple ingredients and a quick cooking process, it’s a must-try recipe that you’ll want to add to your regular rotation.