Hey fellow food lovers! Nyla here, ready to share my ultimate comfort food creation! You know I’m all about those meals that turn every dinner into a little celebration, and this One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese does exactly that!
I’m always searching for ways to make our favorite meals even more special. This recipe started as a quest to take classic mac and cheese and infuse it with some bold, fresh flavor. Get ready because this One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese is a total flavor explosion that you’re going to obsess over!
This is where bold flavors and cozy nights meet, so grab your favorite pot and let’s get cooking!
INGREDIENTS You Need
This One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese ingredient list is all about maximizing flavor with minimal fuss! You can grab all of this during your normal shopping trip. No fancy ingredients required!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound pasta: (Elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or your favorite shape)
- 4 cups vegetable broth: (Adds depth and cooks the pasta)
- 4 cups broccoli florets: (Fresh or frozen, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 4 tablespoons butter: (Adds richness and helps create a smooth sauce)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: (Thickens the sauce)
- 3 cups milk: (I use whole milk for extra creaminess, but 2% works great too)
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese: (Sharp cheddar is my go-to for that classic mac flavor)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: (Adds a nice stretch and melty goodness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: (Adds a savory kick)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: (Complements the garlic and cheese)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: (Adds a touch of smokiness and color)
- Salt and pepper to taste: (Season generously!)
No worries if you don’t have mozzarella! I use all cheddar all the time in my One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese, and it’s still amazing. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses too!
This One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese gets its amazing taste from the balance of flavors. The garlic, onion, and paprika work together to create a delicious base that really complements the cheese and broccoli.
I love adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to my One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese for an extra kick. It’s totally optional, but it adds a nice little zing!
Let’s Make Some!
Time to make some delicious magic! This is my favorite part of making One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese – watch the magic happen!
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the pasta, vegetable broth, and broccoli florets. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This is where the magic starts happening!
- While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This is what will give your One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese that perfect creamy texture.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to smooth out any lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Don’t worry if your One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese looks a little lumpy at first, just keep whisking!
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. This is where the aroma becomes intoxicating! This is the broccoli mac and cheese sauce that will make your taste buds sing!
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and broccoli. Stir until everything is well combined and the One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese is creamy and delicious.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or cheese to your liking.
In my kitchen, this One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese usually takes around 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for those nights when you want something comforting but don’t have a ton of time!
While your One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas! The combination of cheesy, garlicky, and broccol-y goodness is seriously irresistible. You should be able to smell your easy broccoli mac cheese already!
One of my favorite cooking discoveries is that adding a splash of hot sauce at the end takes this dish to another level. Try it – you won’t regret it! It’s the cheesy broccoli pasta of your dreams!
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese hits the table with some crispy fried chicken! It’s the ultimate comfort food combo.
I also love serving this dish with a side of roasted vegetables. The sweetness of the roasted veggies pairs perfectly with the richness of the One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese.
This One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special, but it’s also great for potlucks and gatherings. It’s always a crowd-pleaser! For another easy recipe that is perfect for potlucks, try these herb-and-cheese-stuffed puff pastry bites!
For presentation, I like to top the One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese with a sprinkle of paprika and some fresh parsley. It adds a pop of color and makes it look even more appetizing.
If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. I use the leftovers to make mac and cheese bites!
I’ve also experimented with adding different toppings, like bacon bits or breadcrumbs. They add a nice crunch and extra flavor. This One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese reminds me of another bold flavor favorite, so for a different spin, try Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, try serving this One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese with a simple salad. The freshness of the salad will balance out the richness of the mac and cheese. For more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out these Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots! They are so good!
FAQs:
Got questions? I got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get about this One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese.
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese?
Absolutely! This recipe is super straightforward and easy to follow. Even if you’re a beginner, you’ll be able to whip up a delicious batch of One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese in no time!
What if I mess up my One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
Don’t sweat it! Even if you overcook the pasta or burn the sauce, it’ll still taste amazing. Mac and cheese is just one of those dishes that’s hard to mess up. I once accidentally added too much salt and it still disappeared in minutes.
How can I prep this One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese for busy weeknights?
You can chop the broccoli and measure out the spices ahead of time. That way, when you’re ready to cook, you can just throw everything in the pot and go! It’s the ultimate quick mac and cheese!
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Definitely! Frozen broccoli works great in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it slightly before adding it to the pot. I’ve done this so many times with no issues!
Can I use different types of cheese?
Of course! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack all work well in this recipe. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt well.
How can I make this dish healthier?
You can use whole wheat pasta, low-fat milk, and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also add more vegetables, like carrots or peas. I have found that this One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese recipe can be easily tailored!
Can I make this One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just cook the pasta and broccoli, then make the cheese sauce and combine everything. Store in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve. You may need to add a little milk to loosen it up. Check out this One Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe | Gimme Some Oven for more on make-ahead tips. Also this One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe (with Video) might have some answers to your questions! For toddler friendly mac and cheese, here’s One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese – Yummy Toddler Food.
CONCLUSION:
This One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese is more than just a recipe – it’s a warm hug in a bowl. It brings me so much joy to create and share this dish with my loved ones, and I hope it brings you just as much happiness!
My One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese Flavor Secrets:
- Don’t skimp on the cheese! Use a generous amount of high-quality cheddar and mozzarella for the best flavor and texture.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg! It sounds weird, but it adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor that’s so good.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings! Bacon bits, breadcrumbs, hot sauce – the possibilities are endless!
I’ve tested so many delicious One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese variations, like adding bacon, jalapenos, or even lobster! For game nights, I love making a spicy version with pepper jack cheese and diced jalapenos. For a more elegant occasion, I’ll add lobster and a sprinkle of truffle oil. And for a kid-friendly version, I’ll add some cooked ham or peas.
Trust your taste buds and get creative in the kitchen! The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. I’m so excited for you to try this One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese and create your own delicious flavor adventures! Let me know what you think! 💕
One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese
This One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese is a quick and easy weeknight dinner! Creamy, cheesy, and packed with broccoli, it’s a comforting meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine macaroni, vegetable broth, milk, and butter.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, and pepper until cheese is melted and smooth.
- Add broccoli florets and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until broccoli is tender-crisp.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
For an extra creamy mac and cheese, add a tablespoon of cream cheese along with the cheddar and mozzarella. You can also top with breadcrumbs and bake for a golden crust.