Description
This creamy broccoli mac and cheese is a comforting and delicious twist on the classic dish, featuring tender elbow macaroni and vibrant broccoli florets smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce made with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Ready in 30 minutes, this stovetop recipe is perfect for a wholesome family meal or a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta and broccoli. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. About 2-3 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the pot to cook them slightly. Drain both and set aside.
- Make the roux. In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute, ensuring the mixture is smooth and bubbly but not browned.
- Add the milk incrementally. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Season the sauce. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to the thickened sauce. Stir well to incorporate all the flavors evenly.
- Melt the cheeses. Lower the heat to a simmer and gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses, stirring constantly until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine pasta and broccoli with cheese sauce. Add the drained macaroni and broccoli back into the cheese sauce in the pot. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated with the cheesy sauce.
- Adjust seasoning and serve. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the creamy broccoli mac and cheese hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like cauliflower or spinach for variation.
- For a richer sauce, use whole milk or add a splash of cream.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Shredded cheese can be prepped in advance for quicker cooking.
- If you like a baked version, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
