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One-Pot Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 37 reviews
  • Author: Mariam
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This One-Pot Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese is a comforting and delicious meal combining tender elbow macaroni, fresh broccoli, and a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce. Perfectly cooked in a single pot for easy cleanup, it’s finished with a buttery breadcrumb topping that can be broiled for a crispy golden crust. A quick, hearty dish that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy family meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni & Broccoli

  • 2 cups Dry Macaroni (elbow macaroni preferred)
  • 2 cups Chopped Broccoli (blanched briefly to retain color)

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (blend of sharp and mild cheddar)
  • 2 cups Whole Milk
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper

Topping

  • 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon Melted Butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients along with a large pot to begin cooking.
  2. Boil Water: Fill the pot with about 4 cups of water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a pinch of salt to season the water.
  3. Cook Macaroni: Add the dry macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 7-8 minutes.
  4. Add Broccoli: Chop the broccoli into small florets. After the macaroni has been cooking for 5 minutes, add the broccoli florets directly to the boiling pot with the macaroni.
  5. Drain Pasta and Broccoli: Reserve about one cup of the starchy pasta water. Then drain the rest of the water using a colander and return the cooked macaroni and broccoli back to the pot.
  6. Melt Butter: Reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the pot. Allow it to melt evenly among the pasta and broccoli.
  7. Create Creamy Base: Pour in the whole milk gradually while stirring continuously to develop a smooth and creamy sauce base around the macaroni and broccoli.
  8. Season: Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to incorporate the seasonings evenly.
  9. Add Cheese: Slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese in batches, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, adjust the consistency by adding reserved pasta water as needed.
  10. Prepare Topping: Mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese in the pot.
  11. Broil Topping (Optional): For a crispy finish, place the pot under the broiler for 3-5 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden and crunchy. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  12. Serve: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes to thicken slightly, then serve hot and enjoy your creamy one-pot broccoli mac and cheese.

Notes

  • Blanching the broccoli before adding it helps retain its vibrant green color and crisp texture.
  • Using a blend of sharp and mild cheddar cheese balances flavor and creaminess.
  • Reserving pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
  • Broiling the breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a delightful crispy texture contrast.
  • For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with 2% or skim milk and reduce the amount of butter.
  • This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free macaroni and breadcrumbs.

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Find it online: https://quickcookingmagic.com/one-pot-creamy-broccoli-mac-and-cheese-recipe/