This Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender pasta shells, rich, gooey cheese, and fresh broccoli for a delightful, nutritious twist. It’s the perfect way to satisfy a cheesy craving while sneaking in some veggies, making it a family-friendly meal. Creamy, flavorful, and easy to make, this dish is great for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing side dish at gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces medium pasta shells
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ⅓ cups whole milk
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, seasoned to your liking.
- 3 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 6 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a rolling boil.
- Add the pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the chopped broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Using the same pot, heat the butter over medium heat until it melts.
- Add the minced garlic and shallot, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk and half and half, making sure the mixture stays smooth.
- Add the Dijon mustard, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
3. Add the Cheese:
- Remove the sauce from heat and gradually stir in the grated cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, until completely melted and smooth.
4. Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta and broccoli back into the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well combined and the pasta and broccoli are evenly coated with the sauce.
5. Serve:
- Serve the creamy broccoli mac and cheese warm, garnished with extra grated cheddar or a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Conclusion
This Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese brings together the best of both worlds—comforting, cheesy pasta with a nutritious broccoli boost. The velvety cheese sauce coats each shell perfectly, while the broccoli adds texture and balance. This easy-to-make dish is sure to become a weeknight staple or a favorite at any family gathering.
Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese
This Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese featurestender pasta shells in a rich cheddar sauce with the added bonus of broccolifor a healthy twist. Perfect for a comforting meal!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces medium pasta shells
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 shallot minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ⅓ cups whole milk
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper seasoned to your liking.
- 3 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 6 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese grated
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a rolling boil.
- Add the pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the chopped broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Using the same pot, heat the butter over medium heat until it melts.
- Add the minced garlic and shallot, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk and half and half, making sure the mixture stays smooth.
- Add the Dijon mustard, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the Cheese:
- Remove the sauce from heat and gradually stir in the grated cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, until completely melted and smooth.
Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta and broccoli back into the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well combined and the pasta and broccoli are evenly coated with the sauce.
Serve:
- Serve the creamy broccoli mac and cheese warm, garnished with extra grated cheddar or a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper if desired.