Name: One Pot Healthy Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces elbow macaroni or small pasta; 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 2 cups frozen, thawed); 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth; 1 cup unsweetened milk (dairy or plant-based); 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or 1 teaspoon cornstarch for gluten-free); 2 ounces cream cheese, softened (optional); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (or 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard); Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons plain breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (optional topping)

Description

This creamy, cheesy pasta cooks in one pot, featuring soft pasta, tender broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce with minimal clean-up.

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces elbow macaroni or small pasta
3 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 2 cups frozen, thawed)
3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup unsweetened milk (dairy or plant-based)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or 1 teaspoon cornstarch for gluten-free)
2 ounces cream cheese, softened (optional)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (or 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons plain breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (optional topping)

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Instructions

Prep your ingredients: shred the cheese, cut broccoli into small florets, and measure liquids.
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 30 seconds to make a roux.
Slowly pour in the broth and milk while whisking. Bring the mix to a gentle simmer.
Add the dry pasta, garlic powder, onion powder, and Dijon mustard. Stir once to combine, then cover and cook at a gentle simmer for 8 minutes.
At 8 minutes, add the broccoli on top, recover, and cook 3–4 more minutes until the pasta is tender.
Lower the heat to low. Stir in the cream cheese (if using), then add shredded cheddar, stirring until melted.
If you like a little crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top and briefly broil for 1–2 minutes.
Serve hot from the pot, topped with extra shredded cheddar and cracked black pepper.

Notes

Measure cheese after shredding for best texture. If using frozen broccoli, squeeze out extra water after thawing.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 30mg