Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese
- Serves
- 6 servings
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Cost
- $17.00
- Nutrition
- 640 cal · 25g protein
- kid-favorite
- comfort-food
- one-pot
- meatless
🍳 1 pan · Picky-eater safe bet: plain noodles · kept by 2 families
Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese is a weeknight dinner that serves 6 and is on the table in about 30 minutes, for around $17 in groceries. You'll need 1 pan, and the 12 ingredients below are everyday supermarket items. Cooking for a picky eater? Plain noodles works on its own for the one who won't try the rest. Add it to your week and the whole grocery list lands in your Instacart cart in one tap.
Goes with: Steamed rice (20 min)
Contains: Dairy · Gluten— based on the ingredients; brands vary, so check labels.
Cookware you'll need
Set these out before you start — it saves hunting through drawers mid-recipe.
- 5–6 quart Dutch ovenDon't have one? Amazon →
- Box graterDon't have one? Amazon →
- 8-inch chef's knifeDon't have one? Amazon →
- Large cutting boards (set of 2)Don't have one? Amazon →
- Silicone spatula & turner setDon't have one? Amazon →
- Wooden spoonsDon't have one? Amazon →
Our kitchen essentials list · As an Amazon Associate, DinnerDrop earns from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tbsp butter
- 3 cups shredded cheddar
- 2 count apples
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Steps
- Bring the broth, 1 cup water, garlic powder and a pinch of salt to a boil in a large pot. Add the macaroni.
- Simmer, stirring often, 8 minutes. Add the small broccoli florets and cook 3 to 4 minutes more until the pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Lower the heat and stir in the cream, milk and butter until hot.
- Stir in the cheddar a handful at a time until creamy. Season with pepper.
- Serve with sliced apples.
- Picky eaters can have the mac and cheese plain, with the broccoli picked out, and apple slices on the side.
- Make ahead: cut the broccoli and shred the cheese up to 2 days ahead. Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days and add a splash of milk when reheating.
On the side: Steamed rice (20 min)
1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
- Rinse the rice. Bring twice as much water as rice to a boil with a pinch of salt, stir in the rice, cover and simmer on low for 18 minutes.
- Take it off the heat, keep the lid on 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Nutrition per serving
- Protein
- 25 g
Estimated from the ingredients and amounts in this recipe; brands and portions vary. Not medical or dietary advice.
Photo: DinnerDrop