Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese: A Simple Weeknight Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this creamy broccoli mac and cheese delight that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Melted cheese cascades over tender pasta and vibrant green florets, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite.

The rich, velvety sauce coats each macaroni shell with luxurious warmth and depth.

Sharp cheddar and smooth mozzarella blend seamlessly, adding complexity to this classic dish.

Fresh broccoli introduces a delightful crunch and nutritional boost to the traditional recipe.

Perfectly seasoned and baked until golden, this mac and cheese elevates weeknight dining from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this irresistible comfort classic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 5

Tools You’ll Need for Broccoli Mac and Cheese

• Pasta Shells: Sturdy curved shape perfectly captures creamy cheese sauce and holds broccoli bits.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, smooth foundation for building delectable sauce layers.
• Garlic: Adds deep, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish's complexity.
• Shallot: Delivers subtle, sweet onion undertones without overwhelming other ingredients.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates silky thickening agent for developing luxurious cheese sauce texture.

• Whole Milk: Ensures creamy, full-bodied sauce with balanced richness.
• Half and Half: Adds extra velvety smoothness and deepens sauce's luxurious mouthfeel.
• Dijon Mustard: Introduces tangy brightness that cuts through cheese's heaviness.

• Kosher Salt: Enhances and balances overall seasoning profile.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle warmth and gentle spiciness.
• Broccoli Florets: Introduces fresh, vibrant green vegetables with nutritious crunch.
• Extra-Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Delivers intense, bold cheese flavor with perfect melting qualities.

How to Make Broccoli Mac and Cheese Step by Step

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly and draining.
• Large Skillet: Crucial for sautéing aromatics and creating creamy cheese sauce.
• Whisk: Key tool for smoothly blending flour, milk, and creating a lump-free sauce.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping broccoli and mincing garlic and shallots.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
• Cheese Grater: Helps create fresh, melty cheddar cheese for maximum flavor.
• Colander: Useful for draining pasta after cooking.

Tips and Tweaks for Broccoli Mac and Cheese Success

Cozy Cheesy Broccoli Noodle Magic

• Pasta Foundation

Grab your favorite pasta and cook it in a big pot of bubbly water until it’s perfectly tender. Let the noodles drain and rest while you create deliciousness.

• Flavor Awakening

Melt butter in a spacious skillet, then welcome minced garlic and shallots. Let them dance and release their aromatic charm until they smell irresistible.

• Creamy Transformation

Sprinkle flour into the buttery mixture, watching it turn golden. Pour in milk slowly, whisking until the sauce becomes silky and smooth. Add a playful splash of Dijon mustard for extra zip.

• Veggie and Cheese Celebration

Toss in fresh broccoli and let it mingle with your creamy sauce. Shower the entire creation with sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until everything melts into a harmonious blend.

• Comfort Serving

Scoop this dreamy mixture onto plates, letting the steam invite everyone to the table. Finish with a sprinkle of black pepper and prepare for pure comfort food bliss.

Best Ways to Serve Broccoli Mac and Cheese

• Smart Swap Strategies: Replace cheddar with gruyère or monterey jack for a flavor twist. Experiment with different cheese blends to create your signature mac and cheese experience.
• Veggie Power Boost: Toss in extra vegetables like roasted cauliflower, spinach, or diced bell peppers to increase nutritional value and add vibrant colors to the dish.
• Protein Power-Up: Transform this side dish into a complete meal by mixing in cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or diced ham. These protein additions make the mac and cheese more filling and satisfying.
• Crispy Topping Tricks: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking for a delightful crunchy texture. Broil for 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, crisp layer that adds exciting contrast to the creamy base.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency and prevent dryness.

Storing Broccoli Mac and Cheese After Cooking

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Create a warm, inviting atmosphere by serving this mac and cheese as the star of your evening meal. Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete, satisfying dinner that brings everyone together.
• Lunch Box Champion: Pack this delightful dish in meal prep containers for a hearty, nutritious lunch that stays delicious when reheated. Add a small container of extra cheese or breadcrumbs on the side for a fun, crunchy topping.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Transform this mac and cheese into a party-friendly appetizer by baking it in a large casserole dish with a crispy breadcrumb topping. Cut into small squares or serve in individual ramekins for easy sharing during sports gatherings or movie nights.
• Veggie Boost Hack: Customize the recipe by mixing in additional vegetables like roasted cauliflower, diced bell peppers, or spinach to increase the nutritional value and add extra flavor and color to the classic comfort dish.

What to Grab for Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

• Fridge Fresh Tactics: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the mac and cheese refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Quick Reheat Method: Warm individual portions in microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent sauce separation.
• Freezer Smart Strategy: Pack cooled mac and cheese in freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months, ensuring best quality by wrapping tightly with plastic wrap before sealing lid.
• Refreshing Rescue Technique: When reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in refrigerator, then warm gently in skillet with splash of milk to restore creamy consistency and prevent dryness.

Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese Delight Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy broccoli mac and cheese delight combines comfort with nutrition in a hearty dish that pleases families. Home cooks can easily craft this cheesy classic with simple ingredients and minimal preparation time.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz (226 g) medium pasta shells
• 3 cups chopped broccoli florets
• 6 oz (170 g) extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 ⅓ cups (315 ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) half and half
• 2 tbsps (28 g) unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps (16 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Generously salt a large pot of water and cook pasta until achieving the perfect al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
2. Aromatic Base: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic and shallots until they become translucent and release their fragrant essence, creating a flavorful foundation.
3. Sauce Development: Dust flour over the aromatics, toasting to a light golden shade. Gradually whisk in whole milk, half and half, and Dijon mustard, creating a silky, smooth sauce. Simmer and thicken while stirring continuously, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
4. Cheese Integration: Fold in broccoli florets and cooked pasta, blanketing them with the creamy sauce. Gradually incorporate sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and forming a luxurious, uniform coating that embraces every morsel.
5. Final Presentation: Transfer the mac and cheese to warm serving dishes, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients. Garnish with a delicate sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper to elevate the dish’s complexity and depth.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain a delightful toothsome texture.
• Roux Mastery: Toast flour carefully to eliminate raw flour taste and develop a rich, nutty flavor foundation for the sauce.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Remove sauce from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Broccoli Crunch Preservation: Add broccoli near the end of cooking to maintain its vibrant color and slight crispness, avoiding overcooking and mushy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg