Make Mac & Cheese healthier by adding broccoli! This is not only the easiest and creamiest Mac & Cheese, but also the healthiest. It is ready in 30 minutes and the best way to make the little ones eat their veggies!
Ingredients For Broccoli Mac & Cheese
- Butter
- Flour
- Half & Half
- Milk
- Chicken broth
- Paprika
- Mustard powder
- Chicken bouillon cube
- Pasta shells
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Shredded sharp cheddar
How To Make One-Pot Broccoli Mac & Cheese
- Heat a large Dutch oven or saucepan over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook until slightly golden, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the half and half, milk, and chicken broth, whisking until all lumps are dissolved. Sprinkle in the paprika, mustard powder, chicken bouillon, and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook, uncovered, for about 8 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Stir in the broccoli and shredded cheddar and cook for an additional 2 minutes or until the pasta is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. Serve while hot.
Can This Dish Be Made Ahead Of Time?
You can cook the pasta in water, stir in a little olive oil so it doesn’t stick together, and store it in an airtight container. You can also make the sauce and store it in a different container. When ready to serve, mix the two and reheat.
What Other Types Of Cheese Can I Use?
You can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, Gruyere, Fontina, Mozzarella, or a combination of any of them.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Place your leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the microwave.
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?
Yes, you can. Let it thaw out completely and pat dry before adding it to the pasta to prevent it from watering down the pasta.
30-Minute One-Pot Broccoli Mac & Cheese
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or saucepan
- Whisk
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- ½ stick of butter (4 tbsp)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups half and half
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ chicken bouillon cube
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 12 oz pasta shells
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 4 cups shard cheddar cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- Heat a large Dutch oven or saucepan over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook until slightly golden, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the half and half, milk, and chicken broth, whisking until all lumps are dissolved. Sprinkle in the paprika, mustard powder, chicken bouillon, and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook, uncovered, for about 8 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Stir in the broccoli and shredded cheddar and cook for an additional 2 minutes or until the pasta is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. Serve while hot.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions about One-Pot Broccoli Mac & Cheese
1. What Can I Do If I Don’t Have Half & Half?
You can either use a mixture of heavy cream and milk or use more milk instead of half and half. If you are lactose intolerant, you can use lactose-free milk.
2. Can I Use Pre-Shredded Cheese?
For best results, it is better to use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking ingredients that prevent it from melting properly.
3. How Do I Make Sure The Pasta Doesn’t Get Too Mushy?
Cook the pasta just until al dente (still slightly firm) before adding the cheese and broccoli. Remember it will continue cooking for a few more minutes.
4. Can I Add Other Vegetables Besides Broccoli?
Absolutely! You can add corn, peas, mushrooms, spinach, and even sun-dried tomatoes. Remember to chop them roughly the same size so they cook properly.
5. What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
You can use water and add a pinch more chicken bouillon, or use vegetable broth instead.
6. What Meats Can I Add To Make It More Filling?
You can add cooked chicken, bacon, ham, canned tuna, canned salmon, or sausage to the mac and cheese to add more protein to this dish.
