Name: Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces elbow macaroni, shells or other short cut pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 cups small florets of broccoli (2 heads); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup 2% milk; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons grated or shredded pecorino romano cheese; 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt; italian seasoned panko, for serving (optional)

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A steaming bowl of mac and cheese, ooey-gooey and dripping with cheese, brings an unparalleled comfort, doesn’t it? Now, imagine this classic dish with a healthy twist—a bright emerald hue from fresh broccoli nestled within every cheesy bite. This isn’t just a yes-for-everyone meal; it’s a tantalizing version of broccolini-enhanced mac and cheese that might just make you question ever tossing a plain bowl aside again.

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When it comes to ease, this healthy broccoli mac and cheese checks all the boxes. With a mere 5 minutes for prep and a total cook time of just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight savior. You can whip it up with pantry staples or easily customize it for dietary preferences, like gluten-free or kid-friendly options. There’s nothing quite like having a dish that’s both simple and mouthwatering. Why not give it a try? You’ll likely find it becomes a delightful staple in your home.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 25 minutes, great for busy evenings!
Irresistible Flavor: Creamy and cheesy, with a refreshing crunch from the broccoli.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant green broccoli pop adds a fun twist to a classic dish.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for family dinners, cozy weekends, or meal prepping.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or vegetarian diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 ounces elbow macaroni: This classic short pasta holds the cheese sauce perfectly; you can swap it with gluten-free or legume pasta for a healthier twist.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds healthy fats and helps to sauté the broccoli. Feel free to use avocado oil for a different flavor.
4 cups small florets of broccoli: Freshness and nutrition; this dish shines with tender, bright broccoli. If you’re short on time, frozen florets work too!
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Essential for creating a silky cheese sauce. Stick to unsalted to control the saltiness.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This thickens the cheese sauce; consider using a gluten-free blend if you need.
3/4 cup 2% milk: Gives a creamy texture; swap with almond or soy milk for a dairy-free version.
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and contributes to the creamy texture.
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Either use sharp or mild cheddar to add depth; you could increase this to 1 cup for extra cheesiness!
2 tablespoons grated or shredded Pecorino Romano cheese: This salty, tangy cheese is crucial—don’t skip it! You can use Parmesan as a substitute.
1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Adjust to taste, as cheese adds flavor too.
Italian seasoned panko (optional): Adds a delightful crunch on top; skip it for a simpler, smoother finish.

How to Make Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 ounces elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Start tasting a few minutes before your package instructions suggest.
Sauté the Broccoli: Cut the broccoli into very small florets. In a large saucepan, add a drizzle of 1 tablespoon olive oil and heat on medium-high. Add the broccoli and sauté for 4 minutes until tender. Then, splash in a bit of water and add 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes until bright green and tender. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Lower the heat and whisk in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for about 1 minute until it forms a paste. Gradually add 3/4 cup 2% milk, whisking until smooth. Increase the heat to medium, keeping an eye on it as the sauce thickens in about 2 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 2 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano cheese, mixing until melted and creamy. Season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Should the sauce feel too thick, add an extra 1/4 cup milk to achieve your desired creaminess.
Combine and Serve: Add the drained pasta and cooked broccoli to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine. Heat until warmed through, then taste for seasoning—adding an additional 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt if desired. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of Italian seasoned panko on top would add a lovely crunch.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the broccoli mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess, as reheated pasta can sometimes turn a bit stiff.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be firm enough to hold its shape after combining.
Cool ingredients slightly before mixing to avoid curdling the cheese sauce.
To make it even cheesier, feel free to experiment with different cheese types according to your preferences.
Incorporating spices like paprika or garlic powder can enhance the flavor of your cheese sauce.
If preparing ahead, consider undercooking the pasta slightly since it’ll cook further when reheated.

Using the fresh vegetables of your choosing, this healthy broccoli mac and cheese recipe offers a world of possibilities. Feel free to throw in spinach, cauliflower, or even roasted peppers to adapt to your tastes.

The beauty lies in its adaptability and its love for flavor. The radiant green from the broccoli brings not only visual appeal but warmth and comfort to the dish. Perfect as a main dish for your family dinner or as a crowd-pleaser during gatherings, your knack for cooking will shine through every bite.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can opt for shells, fusilli, or any short pasta. For a healthier option, consider gluten-free pasta or even chickpea noodles.

Is there a way to make this vegan?

Yes! Replace the cheese with vegan alternatives, use plant-based milk, and swap out the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without any dairy!

Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

Certainly! You can make the cheese sauce separately and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just cook your pasta and broccoli when you’re ready to combine and bake.

How do I get my kids to eat more veggies with this dish?

Incorporating broccoli into this mac and cheese not only adds nutrients but makes it visually appealing too. You can even blend the broccoli into the cheese sauce if they’re picky about greens; they’ll never know!

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Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Storing & Reheating

Chef’s Helpful Tips