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Healthy One Pot Broccoli Mac & Cheese

Healthy One Pot Broccoli Mac & Cheese for Busy Weeknights

This Healthy One Pot Broccoli Mac & Cheese is a wholesome, nutritious twist on a classic dish, ready in just 30 minutes for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups Whole Wheat Elbow Macaroni Swap with gluten-free pasta if needed
For the Broccoli
  • 2 cups Broccoli Florets Both fresh and frozen are great options
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 3 cups Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth Chicken broth is a good alternative
  • 1 cup Low-Fat Milk Unsweetened almond milk works well as a dairy-free option
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Feel free to use any cooking oil
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced) Fresh garlic is always best
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Omit for a milder profile
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Season to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper Season to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon Paprika Excellent to leave out for non-spicy dish
For the Cheesy Goodness
  • 1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese Mozzarella or dairy-free cheese are substitutes
  • 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast can be a dairy-free alternative
For Extra Creaminess
  • 0.5 cup Plain Greek Yogurt Exclude or replace with light cream cheese if desired

Equipment

  • Large Pot

Method
 

Directions
  1. In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant and slightly golden.
  2. Stir in 2 cups of whole wheat elbow macaroni along with 3 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth and 1 cup of low-fat milk. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer, stirring frequently, until the pasta is nearly al dente, approximately 7-8 minutes.
  4. Add 2 cups of broccoli florets, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring often.
  5. Remove from heat and gradually stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
  6. For an extra touch of creaminess, fold in 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Let the dish sit for 2-3 minutes with the lid on to let flavors meld and sauce thicken.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Cheese temperature matters. Stir frequently while pasta cooks and taste before serving to adjust seasoning.

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