The Ultimate Comfort Food with a Sneaky Veggie Twist!
Who says mac and cheese can’t be creamy, cheesy, and packed with veggies all at once?
This Stovetop Broccoli Mac and Cheese delivers big comfort-food flavors in just 30 minutes, making it a go-to for busy weeknights.
The rich, velvety cheddar sauce coats every bite, while finely chopped broccoli blends right in—so even the pickiest eaters won’t say no!
With simple ingredients and zero baking required, this is a one-pot wonder you’ll keep coming back to.
Bonus: It’s a sneaky way to get kids (and adults!) to eat their greens.
For the Mac and Cheese
- Elbow Pasta – The classic choice for mac and cheese! You can also use shells or any short pasta.
- Broccoli Florets – Finely chopped after cooking to blend seamlessly into the mac and cheese.
- Butter – Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Flour – Works as a thickening agent for the cheese sauce.
- Garlic Powder – Enhances the flavor without overpowering the cheese.
- Milk – The base of the cheese sauce, making it extra creamy.
- Cream Cheese – Gives the sauce a velvety texture and a slight tang.
- Dijon Mustard – Adds a subtle depth of flavor to balance the richness.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese – The star ingredient! Opt for freshly shredded cheese for the best melt.
For Seasoning & Final Touches
- Salt – Season to taste for the perfect balance.
- Pasta Water or Milk – Optional, to adjust the sauce consistency.
Stovetop Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 oz dry elbow macaroni
- Salt, for boiling water
- 4 cups (10 oz) broccoli florets, cooked and finely chopped
- 3½ Tbsp butter
- 3½ Tbsp all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1¾ cups milk
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1-2 tsp Dijon mustard (adjust to taste)
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
- Before draining, reserve a small amount of pasta water (for adjusting the sauce consistency later, if needed). Drain pasta and set aside.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce
- While the pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Stir in flour and garlic powder, whisking constantly for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Gradually add in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Add cream cheese and Dijon mustard, stirring until the cream cheese has fully melted and the sauce has thickened
Incorporate the Cheese & Broccoli
- Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar until smooth and fully melted.
- Add in the drained pasta and finely chopped broccoli, tossing everything together to coat evenly.
- Season with salt to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or milk to reach your desired consistency.
Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, cheesy goodness!
Notes
- Cooking the Broccoli: Steam or boil the florets until fully tender (about 4-5 minutes). Drain well, then finely chop before adding to the mac and cheese.
- Cheese Flavor: Prefer a bolder, cheesier taste? Feel free to add extra cheddar!
Nutrition
1. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded cheese is best! Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy instead of smooth. For the creamiest mac and cheese, grate your own cheddar!
2. How do I keep the cheese sauce from turning grainy?
The trick? Low and slow. High heat can cause the cheese to separate, leaving you with a gritty texture. Keep the heat medium to low, and whisk continuously for a smooth, velvety sauce.
3. What if my sauce is too thick or too thin?
- Too thick? Stir in a splash of reserved pasta water or warm milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Too thin? Let it simmer for a bit longer, or add a small amount of extra cheese to thicken it up.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta, and use gluten-free flour in the sauce. It’s just as creamy and delicious!
5. How do I reheat leftovers without the sauce separating?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little milk to loosen the sauce. If microwaving, do it in short bursts, stirring in between to keep it creamy.
Now go enjoy your cheesy, veggie-packed comfort food!