Broccoli cheddar soup but in pasta form.
Do you hate broccoli or have trouble getting your little ones to eat it? Well, if you do, this One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese is going to change your mind. Think Panera’s famous Broccoli Cheddar Soup but in pasta form and even better. It combines the comforting nature of soup with the creaminess of a rich, cheesy pasta. If you’re looking for a way to get some extra veggies at the dinner table, this is the recipe for you!
Why you'll love my Broccoli Mac and Cheese.
Hidden veggies
This recipe uses 2 whole large carrots and 1 whole head of broccoli. The broccoli is not so hidden as it’s vibrant color is very visible but it makes the meal visually appealing, which may be a reason for its popularity among kids.
Easy, one-pot recipe
Time efficient and approachable for various skill levels in the kitchen. Bonus points, it reduces clean up. Hurray!
Ingredient notes.
Pasta
Broccoli
This recipe uses 1 whole head of broccoli. Feel free to substitute with frozen broccoli but the flavor and texture will vary.
Cheddar Cheese
Say it with me. Freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Perfect! I say this a lot but it really does make a difference in cooking, especially pasta sauce recipes. There is a sneaky ingredient hiding in pre-shredded cheeses known for it’s anti-caking and moisture absorbing properties. Pre-shredded cheeses just don’t melt right. Trust me.
Mirepoix
Mirepoix is a fancy word for aromatics. In this recipe, we use onions, carrots, shallots and garlic. These ingredients form the flavor base and are a necessity. With aromatics like this, I rarely ever season my food with salt.
For the rest of the ingredients, please see the recipe index card below!
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can use milk instead of heavy cream for pasta sauce but it will affect the texture, flavor and richness of the final product. Heavy cream also adds thickness. If using milk, choose whole milk and add a thickening agent like making a roux.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
There is a sneaky ingredient hiding in pre-shredded cheeses. When you look on the back of a pre-shredded cheese bag, you will almost always find the ingredient, potato starch, natamycin or cellulose. It is known for it’s anti-caking and moisture absorbing properties. It is also used to keep the pre-shredded cheese from clumping together in the bag.
As a result of these added ingredients, you may notice the cheese just doesn’t melt right when you use it for sauces or even on pizza toppings. On the other hand, freshly grated cheese is exactly that. Fresh. No added preservatives or chemicals. Guaranteed clump free and smooth.
How to make Broccoli Cheddar Pasta.
The section below is a quick overview of how to make this recipe. For full details, see recipe index card below!
Make the sauce
Add butter, shallots, shredded carrot, broccoli pieces and pressed garlic to a large cooking pan. Cook on medium heat for 5-7 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Add the pasta and water
Add dry, uncooked pasta to the same pot, along with water. Bring to a simmer and cook until most of the water is absorbed, not all. A little bit of water is necessary for the sauce. Stir frequently. Depending on the pasta shape used, cook time will vary.
Thicken with cream and cheese
Add heavy cream and freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Stir to combine and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until sauce is thickened.
Expert tips from my test kitchen.
Freshly grated cheese
Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it doesn’t melt as well and contains added ingredients.
Use the right pasta
If you don’t have mini farfalle on hand, pick a pasta shape that is small like orzo, macaroni, orecchiette or rotini.
Save the starchy pasta water
This recipe is one-pot, which means we are cooking the sauce directly in the pasta water. The starch in the pasta water emulsifies the cheese, creating an even more creamy and smooth sauce.
How to store leftovers.
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness. Re-heat in the microwave at 15 second intervals or on the stovetop in a small saucepan until warm.
Looking for other pasta recipes?
Before you go, get inspired by these popular pasta recipes on the blog:
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Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 ounces mini farfalle, orzo or macaroni
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups cheddar cheese freshly shredded
- 1 whole head broccoli cut into bite size pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 whole shallots minced
- 1 large carrot grated
- 2 garlic cloves
- 4 Tablespoons butter unsalted
Instructions
- Add butter, shallots, shredded carrot, broccoli pieces and pressed garlic to a large cooking pan. Cook on medium heat for 5-7 minutes until soft and fragrant.1 whole head broccoli, 2 whole shallots, 1 large carrot, 2 garlic cloves, 4 Tablespoons butter
- Add dry, uncooked pasta to the same pot, along with water. Bring to a simmer and cook until most of the water is absorbed, not all. A little bit of water is necessary for the sauce. Stir frequently. Depending on the pasta shape used, cook time will vary.8 ounces mini farfalle, orzo or macaroni, 4 cups water
- Add heavy cream and freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Stir to combine and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until sauce is thickened.2 cups cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup heavy cream
Nutrition
The provided nutritional value above is an estimate per serving. 100% accuracy is not guarenteed. Please see Nutrition Information Disclaimer in our Privacy Policy.
Nutrition Information Disclaimer
This was a huge hit! I made this as a meal when we hosted missionaries for dinner. They even wanted some to take with them! I love that it has veggies as added fiber. Such a cozy meal!
It’s one of our favorite “hidden veggie” recipes of all time! We’re so happy you were able to share it with those around your table too. 🙂
I meal prepped this recipe for work and it was fantastic!! So creamy and satisfying with all those hidden veggies.
Thank you, Dae!
My kids are true Mac and cheese lovers and this recipe doesn’t disappoint! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Thank you, Adina! I like to call this the adult version of Mac and Cheese. 😉
Thanks for the recipe! Weeknight staple for our household!
Thank you, Naomi! We’re happy to hear that!
This was a super easy, super delicious meal. It is really cheesy and creamy. The broccoli and carrots are barely noticeable. It would be great way to sneak veggies in on any picky eaters.
Hi Amanda, thanks so much for trying and trusting our recipe! It’s one of our personal favorites. 🙂
Okay the soup version of this is so good but this is so great too and makes a TON of leftovers if you double it!! Reheats great!
Hi Diana, thanks so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed our recipe x2 🙂
We loved this quick and easy one pot meal! So cheesy and delicious
One-pot meals are the best! I’m glad you enjoyed ours. 🙂