Creamy, cheesy mac with plenty of broccoli, all cooked in a single pot in about 25 minutes.
Prep10 min
Cook18 min
Total28 min
Serves4
LevelIntermediate
What makes it special
Milk
All-purpose flour
Black pepper
I make mac and cheese a lot, and this is the version that makes everyone happy. The kids get their cheesy pasta, I get a big dose of vegetables, and there's only one pot to wash afterwards.
How the one-pot method works
The macaroni cooks right in a light milk sauce, so the pasta starch thickens everything naturally. Broccoli goes in halfway, so it's tender but still green. The cheese melts in at the very end.
Why it's a little lighter
Instead of heavy cream and lots of butter, it uses milk and a simple roux. You still get a creamy, cheesy sauce, just without the heaviness.
Tips for the creamiest result
Stir often so the pasta doesn't stick.
Grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded can make the sauce grainy.
Add broccoli midway so it doesn't go mushy.
Let it rest for a few minutes; the sauce thickens as it sits.
Variations
Protein: shredded chicken, chickpeas or bacon.
More veggies: peas, spinach or grated carrot.
Spicy: a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
Serving
It works as a main or a side. Try it next to baked salmon or grilled chicken, and it's great in lunchboxes too.
Leftovers keep for 4 days. Add a splash of milk and stir as you reheat.
A lighter, creamy mac and cheese made in one pot, with the macaroni cooked right in the sauce and fresh broccoli stirred in.
Pasta Intermediate American
Prep
10 min
Cook
18 min
Total
28 min
Servings
4
Ingredients 12 items
Tap to check off as you go
Mac and Cheese
Instructions 8 steps
1
Warm the olive oil in a large pot and cook the garlic until fragrant.
2
Whisk in the flour and cook briefly.
3
Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth and slightly thick.
4
Add the water or broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
5
Stir in the uncooked macaroni and cook, stirring often.
6
Add the broccoli halfway through and keep simmering until the pasta is tender.
7
Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
8
Season with salt, pepper and paprika, and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition per serving
Calories
320
Protein
14g
Carbs
38g
Fat
12g
Sugar
6g
Fiber
4g
Sodium
380mg
Questions, answered
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and thicken with cornstarch instead of flour.
Will my kids eat the broccoli?
Usually! Chopped small and coated in cheese sauce, it disappears into the pasta.
Can I add protein?
Yes. Stir in shredded chicken, chickpeas or crumbled bacon.
Recipe by
Denise
Home cook, baker and serial recipe tweaker. I share the dishes my family asks for most, written step by step so they turn out right in your kitchen too.
