Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe
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This Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese is a simple but hearty take on the classic cheesy pasta dinner! Adding broccoli provides family-friendly nutrition and flavor, and just like my Broccoli Cheese Bake, you'll love the combo of veggies with a rich homemade cheese sauce and the addition of tender pasta shells.
This cheesy broccoli pasta is the ultimate comfort food side dish or hearty main course! Thanks to the comforting and familiar flavors and the addition of nutritious broccoli, this is an upgraded version of the tender pasta dish you know and love. And if you love this comforting dish, you should also try my Chicken Alfredo Biscuit Casserole or my Broccoli Chicken Divan Casserole!
Quick Look: Broccoli Mac and Cheese
- ā±ļø Prep Time: 15 minutes
- š Total Time: 30 minutes
- šØāš©āš§āš¦ Servings: 6
- š Calories: ~580 kcal per serving
- š„£ Ingredients: butter, flour, chicken stock, whole milk, heavy cream, dry mustard, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, shell pasta, velveeta cheese, broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese
- ā Difficulty: Easy, great as a hearty main course or filling side
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Versatile Recipe: This cheesy broccoli pasta works as a filling main course but it's just as great for a side dish!
"Hidden" Veggies: While the broccoli isn't exactly hidden, mixing it in with the cheesy sauce means even picky eaters will get their veggies!
Simple Ingredients and Prep: Thanks to a collection of common ingredients and simple steps, this is a weeknight-friendly dinner that's easy to make and the family will never get tired of!
For even more unique takes on mac and cheese, try my Lobster Mac and Cheese or Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese!
Ingredients Needed
- Whole Milk and Heavy Cream: Work together to create a rich and thick cheese sauce.
- Medium Shell Pasta: You could also use another shortcut pasta, but my family loves the way the medium shells hold the cheese sauce.
- Velveeta Cheese: Velveeta is the perfect base for a cheese sauce. Cream cheese can be used as a substitute.
- Broccoli: You can use frozen if you prefer, just make sure it's thawed.
- Sharp Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese: Provide even more creamy, cheesy goodness in the sauce.
How to Make this Broccoli Mac and Cheese
- Step 1: In a large pot over medium high heat, melt the butter.
- Step 2: Add flour and whisk until combined, about 30 seconds.
- Step 3: Mix in chicken stock until smooth, then mix in milk, heavy cream, and seasonings.
- Step 4: Fold in the dry pasta and Velveeta and cook for 7 to 8 minutes.
- Step 5: Add broccoli and cook another 5 minutes or so.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and mix in shredded cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
Recipe Tips
- If you don't want to use chicken stock, you could add more milk or use water instead. Either way, you'll need to make sure there's enough liquid to cook the pasta.
- Shells work great for this recipe, but any short-cut pasta will work just fine.
- Be sure to cut the broccoli into evenly sized pieces so it all cooks at the same rate.
- Serve this dish as a main course with your favorite rolls and a salad on the side, or serve as a comfort food side dish.
- This dish is also great to bring along to potlucks and other events--it's a crowd favorite!
Recipe FAQ's
I've found that fresh broccoli works best in this recipe, but if you want to use frozen I recommend thawing/steaming it first so it fully warms through when you mix it into the cheese sauce.
Cook your cheese sauce low and slow, and avoid pre-shredded cheeses. They often have a thin coating that prevents sticking, but it also means a less creamy and melty cheese sauce.
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or return to a pot over medium heat. Add splashes of milk as needed to get the cheese sauce creamy again.
Absolutely! If you want that classic baked finish, after steps 6, transfer to a baking dish and either top with more shredded cheese or your favorite bread crumbs. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown to your liking.
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Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoon butter
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 2 cup chicken stock
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 12 ounces medium shell pasta 4 cups dried
- 4 ounces velvetta cheese cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 cups broccoli cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups sharp cheese shredded
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
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Instructions
- Heat a pot on medium-high heat and add the butter.
- Once melted add in the flour and whisk for about 30 seconds.
- Whisk in the chicken stock until smooth, then add in the milk and heavy cream along with the mustard, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne until combined. Bring to a low boil.
- Add in the dried pasta and Velvetta cheese, stir, and let cook uncovered for 7-8 minutes. Stirring occasionally.
- Add in chopped broccoli and cook another 4-5 minutes or until pasta is cooked to your preference.
- Remove from the heat and add in the shredded cheese, stir until everything is combined and melted. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
- Add more salt and pepper to taste and serve!
