Description
This Broccoli Mac and Cheese is a comforting and healthier twist on the classic dish, combining creamy cheese sauce with nutritious broccoli and tender elbow macaroni. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, it balances rich flavors with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 cups broccoli florets
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups 2% milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Steam Broccoli: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni until al dente according to package instructions. While the pasta cooks, steam the broccoli florets on top of the pot using a steamer basket or colander for 1-2 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly and blanch the broccoli briefly to keep it crisp-tender.
- Prepare Roux: In a separate large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the salted butter. Add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously until the mixture combines and turns a golden color, about 2 minutes. This creates the roux base for the cheese sauce.
- Add Milk and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the 2% milk to the roux to avoid lumps. Stir in the Dijon mustard and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, whisking occasionally until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and gruyere cheeses until fully melted and smooth, creating a rich cheese sauce.
- Combine Ingredients and Serve: Fold in the cooked pasta and steamed broccoli gently to evenly coat them with the cheese sauce. Serve the Broccoli Mac and Cheese immediately, while warm and creamy.
Notes
- This healthier version of a family favorite is hearty and so comforting.
- Broccoli mac and cheese is quick and easy to make for a weeknight meal.
- Steaming the broccoli over the pasta pot saves time and keeps the broccoli crisp.
- Feel free to swap 2% milk for whole milk for an even creamier sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 607 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 439 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
