Creamy One-Pot White Mac and Cheese with Broccoli: The Ultimate Family Meal
Product links may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Jump to Recipe
Are you tired of bland, boxed mac and cheese? It’s time to elevate your weeknight dinner game with this incredibly easy and delicious homemade White Mac and Cheese with Broccoli. This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a creamy, comforting, and wholesome meal that comes together in a single pot, making clean-up a breeze. Perfect for busy families, this recipe combines tender macaroni pasta with a rich, velvety white cheese sauce, complemented by vibrant, nutrient-packed broccoli florets.
Imagine a dinner that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. This one-pot wonder means less time scrubbing pots and pans, and more time enjoying a satisfying meal with your loved ones. The addition of fresh broccoli not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds a delightful texture and subtle earthy flavor that perfectly balances the creamy richness of the pasta. Say goodbye to the artificial taste of instant meals and embrace the simple joy of cooking from scratch!
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This One-Pot White Mac and Cheese
- Effortless One-Pot Preparation: Seriously, just one pot from start to finish! This means minimal clean-up, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without the hassle.
- Unbelievably Creamy Texture: Thanks to a generous blend of heavy cream, half and half, and Parmesan cheese, this mac and cheese boasts a sauce that is luxuriously smooth and rich, clinging perfectly to every piece of pasta.
- Wholesome and Nutritious: Fresh broccoli florets are cooked right in the pot, adding essential vitamins, fiber, and a lovely pop of color and texture to this classic comfort food. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in extra veggies!
- Bursting with Flavor: A thoughtful combination of garlic, paprika, onion powder, and Italian seasoning infuses the sauce with a depth of flavor that far surpasses any boxed alternative.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages. Even picky eaters might enjoy their vegetables when they’re enveloped in such a delicious, cheesy sauce.
Key Ingredients for White Mac and Cheese with Broccoli
This recipe creates a uniquely creamy white mac and cheese, distinct from the traditional cheddar versions. It focuses on a rich sauce base with heavy cream and Parmesan, delivering a sophisticated yet comforting flavor that isn’t overwhelmingly “cheesy” in the typical sense. If you’re looking for something elegantly creamy and full of balanced flavor, this is it.
For those with little ones who are hesitant about eating their greens, broccoli is an excellent addition. However, if you’re aiming for a stealthy veggie approach, consider swapping broccoli for cauliflower. When cooked, cauliflower’s color will blend seamlessly with the pasta, making it almost undetectable and potentially helping you “trick” them into eating more vegetables!
Here’s what you’ll need to gather to create this delightful dish:
- Butter & Olive Oil: A combination of these two fats provides a wonderful flavor base and helps to sauté the garlic without burning. Butter adds richness, while olive oil helps with heat distribution.
- Minced Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is crucial here, infusing the entire dish with its aromatic essence. Avoid pre-minced garlic for the best flavor.
- Chicken Broth: This liquid is essential for cooking the pasta and forms the savory foundation of our sauce. Vegetable broth can be substituted for a vegetarian version.
- Half and Half & Heavy Cream: The dynamic duo for ultimate creaminess! Half and half provides a lighter touch, while heavy cream brings unparalleled richness and body to the sauce. Don’t skimp on these for that luxurious texture.
- Macaroni Pasta: The classic choice for mac and cheese. Elbow macaroni works best for catching all that creamy sauce. You can also experiment with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells.
- Seasonings (Paprika, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper): This blend of spices adds depth and warmth. Paprika offers a subtle sweetness and color, onion powder enhances the savory notes, and Italian seasoning brings an herbaceous complexity. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste.
- Large Head of Broccoli: Cut into small, bite-sized florets, broccoli adds a fantastic texture, color, and a boost of nutrients. It softens beautifully within the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly shredded Parmesan is key for its salty, nutty flavor and its ability to melt into a smooth, emulsified sauce. It contributes to the “white” cheese profile beautifully.
Optional Additions & Substitutions:
- Cheeses: While Parmesan is great, feel free to add a touch of white cheddar, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack for a different cheesy dimension.
- Vegetables: Besides broccoli and cauliflower, consider peas, spinach (stirred in at the very end), or finely diced carrots for extra nutrition and color.
- Protein: Cooked shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, or sautéed mushrooms can be added for a heartier meal.
- Spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a lovely kick.
Crafting Your Creamy One-Pot White Mac and Cheese
Making this delightful pasta dish is incredibly simple, and the best part? It all comes together in just one pot! One-pot meals are an absolute game-changer, especially on those evenings when the thought of washing an endless pile of dishes feels daunting. I often find myself reaching for these recipes, and sometimes, I’ll even serve them on paper plates for an almost zero-cleanup experience. It’s not lazy; it’s maximizing efficiency and reclaiming precious time! Haha.
Let’s walk through the steps to create this creamy, flavorful, and easy mac and cheese:
-
Start with Your Flavor Base:
First, begin by melting 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, sturdy pot or deep skillet over medium heat. The combination of butter and olive oil creates a richer flavor profile and helps prevent the butter from burning too quickly. (These are my absolute favorite pots and pans to use. They’re so durable, and the color is simply adorable! A good quality pot will make a difference in even heat distribution.)
Once the butter has melted and the oil is shimmering, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the pot. Stir continuously for about 15-30 seconds, allowing the garlic to become fragrant. It’s crucial to be vigilant here, as garlic burns very easily and can quickly turn bitter if overcooked. You want it fragrant and slightly golden, not browned.
-
Combine Liquids and Pasta:
Next, pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 ¼ cups of half and half, and ½ cup of heavy cream. This liquid base is what will cook your pasta and create the luscious sauce. Add ½ lb of macaroni pasta directly into the pot. Stir in ½ teaspoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Stir everything well to ensure the pasta is submerged and the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
-
Cook the Pasta and Add Broccoli:
Once the mixture is simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it cook for approximately 3 minutes. This initial cooking phase allows the pasta to begin absorbing the flavorful liquid.
After 3 minutes, carefully remove the lid and stir in 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets. Replace the lid and continue to cook for an additional 8 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and cooked through (al dente). Make sure to stir occasionally during this period to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of both pasta and broccoli. The broccoli should be tender-crisp, not mushy.
-
Finish with Parmesan and Serve:
Once the pasta is perfectly tender and the sauce has thickened, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in ½ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the Parmesan cheese has fully melted into the sauce, creating an incredibly smooth and cohesive consistency.
Serve immediately and savor every creamy, cheesy bite! This dish is best enjoyed fresh.
Tips for the Perfect Creamy One-Pot Mac and Cheese
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: While convenience is king, fresh garlic and freshly shredded Parmesan cheese make a noticeable difference in flavor compared to their pre-packaged counterparts.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta during the simmering stage. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose its texture. Aim for al dente, where it’s tender but still has a slight bite.
- Adjust Consistency: If your sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash more half and half or chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes (before adding cheese) to reduce slightly.
- Mind the Heat: Cooking on medium-low to low heat after the initial simmer is crucial. High heat can cause the dairy to curdle or the pasta to stick and burn.
- Customize Your Veggies: Don’t limit yourself to broccoli! Peas, spinach (stirred in at the very end until wilted), or even finely diced bell peppers can be great additions.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
While this White Mac and Cheese with Broccoli is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be stored and reheated:
- Storage: Allow the mac and cheese to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating on the Stovetop: For best results, reheat leftovers in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth (about 1-2 tablespoons per serving) to help rehydrate the sauce and restore its creaminess. Stir gently until heated through.
- Reheating in the Microwave: Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish. Add a tablespoon of milk or broth. Cover loosely and microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the sauce to separate.
More Delicious Pasta Recipes You’ll Love
You all know that I’m a pasta fanatic! It tastes amazing, is incredibly versatile, and often an inexpensive way to feed my family, making it a staple in my kitchen. I genuinely love it so much! If you’re looking for more pasta inspiration, here are a few of my very favorite recipes:
- Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lasagna: A hearty and comforting lasagna made effortlessly in your slow cooker.
- Tik Tok Boursin Cheese Pasta: The viral sensation, made easy and flavorful with creamy Boursin cheese.
- Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta: A savory and rich pasta dish featuring crispy bacon and a luscious tomato cream sauce.
White Mac and Cheese with Broccoli
Pin Recipe
Comment
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 ¼ cup half and half
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ lb macaroni pasta
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
Instructions
- To a large skillet or pot over medium heat add the butter and olive oil. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add in the minced garlic and stir for about 15-30 seconds or until it’s wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly turn bitter. Then, stir in the chicken broth, half and half, heavy cream, uncooked macaroni pasta, and all the specified seasonings (paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper). Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the pasta is well coated and submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer.
- Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it cook for about 3 minutes. This allows the pasta to begin softening and absorbing the creamy liquid. After 3 minutes, remove the lid, add the broccoli florets to the pot, stirring them into the pasta. Recover and continue to let the dish simmer for an additional 8 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and cooked through to your liking (al dente is ideal). Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Finally, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until it fully melts, creating a smooth and luscious sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious one-pot meal!
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.