Easy Cheesy Broccoli Mac and Cheese Delight Recipe

Broccoli mac and cheese delight brings comfort food to a whole new nutritional level.

Creamy pasta lovers understand the magic of revamping simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Verdant green florets add vibrant color and unexpected nutritional power to this classic dish.

Soft, tender vegetables blend seamlessly with rich, melted cheese for a satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Families craving a crowd-pleasing recipe will adore this simple yet sophisticated twist on traditional mac and cheese.

Home cooks can easily elevate their dinner game with this smart, nutritious combination of pasta and vegetables.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of cheesy goodness and green veggie goodness.

Broccoli Mac and Cheese Delight That’s Creamy and Cozy

• Boost Veggie Intake Effortlessly: This recipe sneaks nutritious broccoli into a creamy mac and cheese, making it a delicious way to enjoy more vegetables without feeling like you're eating a salad.
• Comfort Food with a Healthy Twist: The combination of tender pasta, melted cheese, and crisp broccoli creates a perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition that satisfies both kids and adults.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: From start to finish, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal meal for busy families who want a delicious and satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: The recipe allows for easy modifications like adding different cheeses, proteins, or spices, ensuring it can be tailored to various taste preferences and dietary needs.

What You Need for Broccoli Mac and Cheese Delight

• Medium Pasta Shells: Classic shape that holds sauce perfectly, ideal for creamy mac and cheese.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh, bright green vegetable that adds nutrition and texture to the dish.

• Whole Milk: Provides rich, creamy base for the sauce with full-bodied flavor.
• Half and Half: Adds extra richness and smooth consistency to the cheese sauce.
• Extra-Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Brings bold, tangy flavor and creates smooth, melty texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides foundation for roux and adds subtle richness.

• Garlic, Shallot: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic base for the sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create smooth consistency.
• Dijon Mustard: Enhances cheese flavor with subtle tang and complexity.
• Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Seasonings that balance and elevate overall taste.

How to Make a Cheesy Broccoli Mac Dish

Step 1: Boil The Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until tender but firm. Drain pasta completely and set aside in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Prepare The Aromatics

• Minced garlic
• Chopped shallots

Stir ingredients continuously until they release a fragrant aroma, about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce Base

• Whole milk
• Half and half
• Dijon mustard

Whisk consistently until sauce thickens and becomes silky smooth, approximately 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Combine Cheesy Ingredients

• Cooked pasta
• Chopped broccoli florets
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Stir gently until cheese melts completely and everything blends beautifully, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Serve And Savor

Transfer mac and cheese to warm serving dishes. Sprinkle extra black pepper on top if desired. Enjoy immediately while hot and creamy.

Tips for Smooth Sauce and Tender Pasta

• Boost Pasta Texture: Slightly undercook the pasta before draining, as it will continue cooking when mixed with the sauce, ensuring a perfectly al dente bite.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Grate the cheese fresh and add it off the heat to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Broccoli Brilliance: Steam the broccoli separately to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent overcooking, preserving its crisp texture and nutritional value.
• Flavor Enhancement: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of smoked paprika to elevate the depth and complexity of the cheese sauce.
• Sauce Rescue Trick: If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually whisk in warm milk to restore its silky, pourable consistency.

Best Way to Store Broccoli Mac and Cheese

• Refrigerate: Transfer mac and cheese to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Microwave Reheating: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F, spread mac and cheese in a baking dish, add a little milk, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to restore a crispy top.

What Pairs Well with This Cheesy Dish

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled sauvignon blanc cuts through the richness of the mac and cheese, offering a refreshing contrast to the creamy, cheesy pasta.
• Match with Zesty Side Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the dish, adding a bright, tangy element that cleanses the palate.
• Complement with Roasted Chicken: Serve alongside simply seasoned roasted chicken breast to add lean protein and enhance the overall meal's nutritional profile and flavor complexity.
• Boost with Garlic Bread: Include a slice of crusty garlic bread to soak up the extra cheese sauce and provide a crunchy textural counterpoint to the creamy mac and cheese.

Mix-In Ideas for Mac and Cheese Upgrades

• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced jalapeños, sprinkle ground cumin, and mix in pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick that transforms the classic recipe into a bold, southwestern-style mac and cheese.
• Mediterranean Medley: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped fresh basil to give the dish a Mediterranean flair with tangy and herbaceous notes.
• Protein Power Boost: Fold in cooked diced chicken or crispy bacon bits to elevate the protein content and add extra savory depth to the creamy mac and cheese.
• Green Goddess Version: Replace standard broccoli with a mix of spinach, kale, and roasted Brussels sprouts for a more diverse green vegetable profile and enhanced nutritional value.

Broccoli Mac and Cheese Delight Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting broccoli mac and cheese delight brings together creamy pasta and crisp green florets in a harmonious blend. Cheese lovers will savor this classic dish reimagined with wholesome ingredients and irresistible flavor that makes you crave another bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) medium pasta shells
• 3 cups chopped broccoli florets
• 6 ounces (170 grams) extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 ⅓ cups (315 milliliters) whole milk
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) half and half
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter

Seasoning and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons (16 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Salt a large pot of water and cook pasta until perfectly tender, ensuring each noodle reaches ideal al dente consistency. Thoroughly drain the pasta and reserve for later integration.
2. Heat a skillet with butter, introducing minced garlic and shallots. Sauté the aromatics, stirring constantly until they release their fragrant essence and become translucent.
3. Sprinkle flour into the buttery mixture, gently toasting until it develops a light golden hue. Slowly incorporate whole milk, half and half, and Dijon mustard, whisking diligently to create a smooth, creamy foundation.
4. Allow the sauce to gently thicken, stirring consistently to prevent scorching. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting liquid consistency as needed to achieve desired sauce texture.
5. Introduce tender broccoli florets and cooked pasta into the creamy sauce. Fold in sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese melts completely and coats every ingredient with a luxurious, velvety layer.
6. Transfer the mac and cheese to warmed serving dishes, ensuring an even distribution of pasta, broccoli, and cheesy goodness. Finish with a light dusting of freshly ground black pepper for an extra flavor boost.
7. Serve immediately, capturing the dish’s peak temperature and creamy consistency, inviting diners to indulge in this comforting culinary creation.

Notes

• Whip up this cheesy comfort food that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering family favorite.
• Blend creamy textures with vibrant broccoli for a nutritious twist on classic mac and cheese that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Quick and easy preparation makes this dish perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg