Name: Broccoli Mac and Cheese (Creamy, Cheesy, Veggie-Packed!)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 tbsp. – unsalted butter; 6 cups – whole milk (or half & half); 1 lb. – pasta (shells, spirals, or elbows); 1 tsp. – sea salt; ¼ tsp. – onion powder; ½ tsp. – garlic powder; ½ tsp. – paprika; ¼ tsp. – freshly ground black pepper; 5 cups – freshly grated cheddar cheese; ¼ lb. – broccoli florets

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This Broccoli Mac and Cheese has all the flavors of classic mac and cheese but the healthy twist of some broccoli! My recipe is a fantastic way to sneak in some greens into a comfort food favorite. This dish pairs perfectly cooked pasta (elbows, shells, or spirals) with a creamy, rich cheese sauce and tender, vibrant broccoli florets for a result that’s as equally satisfying as it is wholesome.

My Broccoli Mac and Cheese is a versatile dish that’s perfect for a family dinner at home. It’s a comforting, creamy, and cheesy meal with a healthy touch of broccoli. This is a great dish to make when you want to serve something that’s both nourishing and satisfying.

There’s special about this Broccoli Mac and Cheese recipe that sets it apart from others! It’s prepared in an Instant Pot, which not only shortens the cooking time but also locks in all the flavors. Plus, the broccoli adds variety and a nutritional boost to the dish.

Want to learn how to make this broccoli mac and cheese recipe? Then keep on reading.

Table of Contents

What is Broccoli Mac and Cheese?
What Makes This Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe Special?
What You Need to Make Broccoli Mac and Cheese at Home
How to Make Broccoli Mac and Cheese (Step-by-Step)
Tips for Making the Best Broccoli Mac and Cheese Ever
Serving Suggestions for Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Recipe Variation Ideas for Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Store Leftover Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Similar Recipes You'll Love
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Broccoli Mac and Cheese (Creamy, Cheesy, Veggie-Packed!)
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What is Broccoli Mac and Cheese?

Broccoli Mac and Cheese is a delicious, comforting, and nutritious twist on a classic favorite. This dish pairs perfectly cooked pasta (elbows, shells, or spirals) with a creamy, rich cheese sauce and tender, vibrant broccoli florets for a result that’s as equally satisfying as it is wholesome.

What’s best is that this recipe is an instant pot version which not only makes it faster to cook from scratch, but also locks in all the flavors. The addition of broccoli adds a layer of texture and a boost of nutrients to the dish.

I highly recommend giving this recipe a shot, and I’m sure it’ll be a hit at your dinner table! It’s the perfect family meal that the kids will love, too!

This dish offers hearty, comforting flavors and a seamless cooking process with the Instant Pot. Plus, the addition of broccoli adds a nutritious component, making this a meal you can feel good about serving to your family.

What Makes This Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe Special?

Easy to make: This broccoli mac and cheese recipe is as straightforward as it gets. You simply add the ingredients to your instant pot, stir, and let it do the work. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, making it perfect for beginners and busy families alike.

Versatile: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Whether you choose to use shells, spirals, or elbows for your pasta, the result will be the same creamy goodness. Plus, you can adjust the quantities of onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper to suit your family’s tastes.

Delicious: The combination of ingredients in this recipe results in a mac and cheese that is creamy, rich, and full of flavor. The freshly grated cheddar cheese melts into a thick cheese sauce, while the broccoli adds a lovely crunch and freshness.

Crowd pleaser: This broccoli mac and cheese recipe is sure to be a hit at any gathering. With its comforting flavors, creamy cheese sauce, and tender broccoli florets, it is a dish that both kids and adults will love.

This dish pairs perfectly cooked pasta (elbows, shells, or spirals) with a creamy, rich cheese sauce and tender, vibrant broccoli florets for a result that’s as equally satisfying as it is wholesome.

What You Need to Make Broccoli Mac and Cheese at Home

All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this broccoli mac and cheese recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:

Unsalted butter: Butter will be used to create a roux, which will serve as the thickening agent for our cheese sauce, giving your mac and cheese a creamy and indulgent texture.
Whole milk: Milk will be whisked into the butter and flour mixture, helping to create a smooth and creamy base for our sharp cheddar cheese sauce.
Pasta: You’ll need some pasta for this recipe. Whether you choose shells, spirals or elbows, the pasta will provide a substantial base for the dish, absorbing the flavors of the cheese sauce and providing a satisfying bite.
Sea salt: We’ll also need some sea salt. The salt will season our pasta water and cheese sauce, enhancing the natural flavors of our ingredients and adding depth to our dish.
Onion powder: You’ll need some onion powder to make this recipe. This will add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to our cheese sauce, complementing the sharpness of the cheddar cheese.
Garlic powder: We’ll also need some garlic powder. The garlic powder will infuse our cheese sauce with a savory depth, tempering the richness of the cheese and cream.
Paprika: You’ll need some paprika for this recipe. The paprika will add a gentle heat and smoky undertone to our cheese sauce, adding complexity to its flavor profile.
Black pepper: We’ll also need some freshly ground black pepper. The pepper will add a touch of heat and a punch of flavor, complementing the creaminess of the cheese sauce.
Cheddar cheese: You’ll need some freshly grated cheddar cheese for this recipe. The cheddar cheese will melt into the milk and butter mixture, creating a luxuriously gooey and flavorful cheese sauce.
Broccoli florets: We’ll also need some broccoli florets. The broccoli will add a pop of color, a delightful crunch, and a boost of Vitamin C and fiber to our mac and cheese, making it not only delicious but also nutritious.

Making this incredible broccoli mac and cheese is easier than you think with step by step instructions.

How to Make Broccoli Mac and Cheese (Step-by-Step)

Making this incredible broccoli mac and cheese is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:

How to Prep Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Start by placing your macaroni noodles into the bowl of your Instant Pot. Add in the butter, making sure to distribute it evenly among the pasta. Sprinkle in your seasonings: sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black ground pepper.

These ingredients will infuse your pasta with an array of flavors that complement the cheese and broccoli perfectly. Stir everything to combine, ensuring that the seasonings and butter are evenly distributed.

Next, pour in the milk. This will provide the necessary liquid for the Instant Pot to reach high pressure and will also form the base of your cheese sauce.

Add in the butter, making sure to distribute it evenly among the pasta. Sprinkle in your seasonings: sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black ground pepper.

How to Cook Broccoli Mac and Cheese in Instant Pot

Secure the lid of the Instant Pot, making sure that the valve is set to the “sealing” position. This prevents steam from escaping during cooking.

Set your Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. This time allows the pasta to become tender and the flavors to meld together.

Once the cooking time has finished, carefully do a quick release of the pressure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Be careful during this step as the steam can be very hot.

Remove the lid and stir in your sharp cheddar cheese and broccoli florets. The heat from the pasta and the milk will melt the cheese, creating a rich, creamy sauce and will lightly cook the broccoli, keeping it tender and bright.

After you’ve thoroughly combined these ingredients, place the lid back on the Instant Pot, but do not seal the valve this time. Let the macaroni sit for about 15 minutes. During this time, the cheese sauce will thicken, and the broccoli will cook to the perfect tenderness.

Once the sauce has thickened and the broccoli is tender to your liking, remove the lid and give everything a good stir. Let your delicious broccoli mac and cheese cool a little before serving, as the cheese sauce can be very hot.

Enjoy this comforting dish with its perfect balance of creamy cheese, tender pasta, and nutritious broccoli.

Your delicious Broccoli Mac and Cheese is ready to be served! Enjoy this comforting dish with its perfect balance of creamy cheese, tender pasta, and nutritious broccoli.

Broccoli Mac and Cheese is a delicious, comforting, and nutritious twist on a classic favorite.

Tips for Making the Best Broccoli Mac and Cheese Ever

Choosing the Right Pasta: The type of pasta you use in this recipe can greatly affect the final result. Shells, spirals, or elbows all work well as they can hold onto the cheese sauce effectively. If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can also opt for gluten-free pasta.

Let it Sit: After the cheese is melted and the broccoli is stirred in, let the macaroni sit for about 15 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and the broccoli to become tender. The result is a creamy, delicious mac and cheese dish.

Cool before Serving: Letting your broccoli mac and cheese cool a bit before serving it can enhance its taste. It allows the flavors to meld together and the cheese sauce to thicken slightly, providing a richer experience.

Serving Suggestions for Broccoli Mac and Cheese

A light Greek salad can complement the rich flavors of this broccoli mac and cheese recipe. The tangy feta and fresh, crisp vegetables provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy, hearty pasta dish.
For a protein boost, grilled chicken breast can be served on the side. The mild taste of the chicken allows the flavors of the cheese, broccoli, and pasta to shine through while adding essential protein to the meal.
Garlic bread is another great option. Not only does it add a delightful crunch to the meal, but the butter and garlic flavors blend well with the cheese sauce in the macaroni dish.
A bowl of creamy tomato soup could be a comforting addition. The acidity of the tomatoes balances the richness of the cheese and the soup can also be used to scoop up any leftover cheesy macaroni.
For a more substantial meal, add some roasted vegetables. The sweet, caramelized flavors from the roast can provide a pleasant contrast to the savory, creamy cheese sauce of the macaroni dish.

Recipe Variation Ideas for Broccoli Mac and Cheese

This delicious broccoli mac and cheese recipe is absolutely perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:

Gluten-Free: If you’re following a strict gluten-free diet, this variation is for you. Replace the pasta with gluten-free pasta or rotini. The gluten-free pasta maintains the texture and taste of the traditional recipe but allows those with dietary restrictions to enjoy this comforting dish.

Protein-Packed: Looking to add more protein to your meals? This variation is a must-try. Add cooked chicken to the cheese sauce just before stirring in the cheese and broccoli. The chicken adds a healthy dose of protein, making the dish more filling and nutritious.

Extra Veggie: Want to increase your fiber intake? Simply add peas to the pot along with the broccoli florets. The peas not only add color and variety but also increase the fiber content of the dish.

Cheesy Mustard: If you’re a fan of tangy flavors, try adding some Dijon mustard to the cheese sauce. This adds a unique taste to the dish and pairs well with the sharp cheddar cheese.

Baked: For a crispy topping, transfer the cooked mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and bake until golden brown. The crunchy topping provides a nice contrast to the creamy mac and cheese underneath. This variation takes a bit more time but is worth the extra effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

You can use any type of pasta for this recipe. However, shells, spirals, or elbows are recommended as they hold the cheese sauce well, enhancing the flavors.

Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

Yes, while this recipe recommends cheddar cheese, you can experiment with other types of cheese. Just remember, the cheese you use can alter the tastes of the final dish.

How do I know when the Instant Pot is cooked at high pressure for 5 minutes?

Once the Instant Pot reaches high pressure, it will begin counting down from 5 minutes. Make sure the valve is set to “sealing” to achieve this.

Can I use frozen broccoli florets?

Yes. You can use frozen broccoli florets for this recipe. However, ensure they are thoroughly defrosted and drained before adding them to the pot.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients, including the sharp cheddar cheese and broccoli, are naturally gluten-free.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Certainly. Peas, bell peppers, or any other soft vegetables can be great additions. They not only enhance the flavors but also increase the fiber and vitamin C content.

Can I use a different cooking method instead of an Instant Pot?

Yes. You can cook the pasta in a large saucepan over medium heat, then drain and add the rest of the ingredients. However, the Instant Pot method is quicker and easier.

How to Store Leftover Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Storing leftovers of this broccoli mac and cheese recipe is relatively simple. After indulging in the delightful tastes and flavors of the dish, you may wonder what to do with any remaining portions. Made with key ingredients like macaroni, broccoli florets, sharp cheddar cheese, and a medley of spices including garlic powder, onion powder, and dijon mustard, it’s a meal you’ll be excited to revisit.

To store in the fridge, first, allow the mac and cheese to cool to room temperature. Then, transfer the leftover mac and cheese into airtight containers. It’s important to use a container that can be sealed tight to preserve the flavors and prevent the cheese sauce from drying out. The dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

When you are ready to reheat, take the container out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature. The best way to reheat your mac and cheese is on the stovetop. Place the mac and cheese in a large saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the cheese sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even heating.

If you want to freeze the leftovers, first let the mac and cheese cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags. The mac and cheese can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thawing is easy, simply transfer the container from the freezer to the fridge and let it thaw overnight. Reheat using the same instructions as above, adding a bit of liquid to help recreate the creamy cheese sauce.

Please note that the texture of the pasta may change after freezing and reheating, as pasta tends to absorb the cheese sauce and can become softer.

What’s best is that this recipe is an instant pot version which not only makes it faster to cook from scratch, but also locks in all the flavors.

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Broccoli Mac and Cheese (Creamy, Cheesy, Veggie-Packed!)

What is Broccoli Mac and Cheese?

What Makes This Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe Special?

What You Need to Make Broccoli Mac and Cheese at Home