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One Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.3 from 11 reviews

This one pot broccoli mac and cheese recipe is a creamy and cheesy meal made in a single pot, featuring sautéed mushrooms, onion, and garlic, tender pasta, fresh broccoli, and a blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. It’s a quick and customizable comfort food that serves 4 to 6 people, perfect for a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 1 small white onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 12 ounces broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1 large head of broccoli)

Dairy and Cheese

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 1/2 cups half and half
  • 2 cups (8 ounces) freshly-shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (1 ounce) freshly-grated Parmesan cheese

Pantry Ingredients

  • 1 pound uncooked pasta (a shape with a 7–8 minute cooking time recommended)
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Fine sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly-ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté veggies: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid evaporates and the mushrooms are browned. Then add the sliced onion and sauté for 3 minutes, followed by adding the minced garlic and cooking for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  2. Cook the pasta: Add uncooked pasta, 4 cups water, 1 1/2 cups half and half, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, and a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to separate the pasta. Once boiling, stir in the broccoli florets and reduce the heat to medium to maintain a low boil. Continue cooking uncovered until pasta is just al dente, typically around 7-8 minutes according to the pasta shape’s package instructions.
  3. Remove excess liquid (if needed): Check the amount of liquid left in the pot. If there is more than approximately 1/2 cup, use a heatproof measuring cup to remove the excess liquid and set it aside for later use.
  4. Add cheese: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and combined, creating a creamy sauce. If the mixture appears too dry or thick, gradually stir in some of the reserved pasta water until desired creaminess is achieved.
  5. Season: Taste the mac and cheese and adjust seasoning as needed by adding additional sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
  6. Serve: Serve the broccoli mac and cheese warm immediately for best texture and flavor. Enjoy this comforting, one-pot meal!

Notes

  • Pasta shape: Use a pasta shape with a cooking time close to 7-8 minutes to match liquid and cooking schedule. If using a different pasta shape, adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts accordingly to ensure the correct texture and sauce consistency.
  • To avoid a watery dish, remove excess starchy pasta water before adding cheese, keeping about 1/2 cup to adjust creaminess if needed.
  • You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins to tailor the dish to your preferences.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/one-pot-broccoli-mac-and-cheese-recipe/