Broccoli Mac and Cheese (Creamy, Cheesy, Veggie-Packed!)
Looking for a tasty, nutritious dinner option? Try my Broccoli Mac and Cheese recipe! It is a creamy, delicious dish with a healthy broccoli twist.
Servings 8
Ingredients
For Broccoli Chicken Mac and Cheese
- 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
Instructions
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.
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.
- 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.