Description

Enjoy this Broccoli Mac and Cheese, where tender pasta meets fresh broccoli in a creamy cheese sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that combines wholesome ingredients for a comforting dish the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes.
Cut the broccoli into small florets. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add broccoli and cook for 4 minutes until tender. Add a splash of water and 1/4 teaspoon salt, cooking for another 2 minutes until bright green. Remove the broccoli from the pan.
In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Turn the heat to low and whisk in the flour for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth. Increase the heat to medium and continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, and Pecorino Romano until melted and smooth. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, and if too sticky, stir in an additional 1/4 cup milk for a creamier texture.
Combine the pasta and broccoli with the cheese sauce, stirring until warmed through. Taste and adjust with the remaining salt. Top with Italian panko if desired, then serve.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, substitute pasta with gluten-free or legume pasta.
Feel free to adjust the types of cheese according to your preference.
This dish can be made ahead and reheated for a quick meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 40mg