Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Looking for a comforting, family-friendly dinner that comes together in one pot? This Broccoli Mac and Cheese is the answer. 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.
Why you'll love my recipe
Healthier version
This recipe uses 1 whole head of broccoli and chicken broth. Hidden veggies and high in protein without compromising on flavor.
Easy dinner recipe
Made in one pot and ready in under one hour. Easy weeknight meal or great for meal prep the next day!
Ingredients and substitutions
Pasta: I used DeLallo Shellbow pasta. It is a shell-elbow hybrid. Thicker, creamier sauces are easily captured in its curved tube and ridged exterior, making it a perfect shape for this cheesy pasta recipe.
Broccoli florets: This recipe uses 1 whole head of broccoli. It adds color, texture and nutrition. You may substitute with frozen broccoli but results may vary.
Cheddar Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses just don’t melt right. Trust me. Grab the block and freshly shred your own cheese. It will change your cooking life – for the better!
Chicken Broth: Pasta cooked directly in chicken broth soaks up all the surrounding flavors better than water.
Garlic: A little bit of garlic goes a long way.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Traditionally used in Italian recipes. DeLallo Extra Virgin Olive Oil is made from the first cold press of hand-selected Italian olives. Grown in Puglia, Italy, these olives are pressed within hours of harvest to capture the freshest raw olive flavor.
For the rest of the ingredients, please see the recipe index card below!
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw and drain it well before adding it to the pasta in the last few minutes of cooking.
How to make Broccoli Mac and Cheese
The section below is a quick overview of how to make this recipe. For full details, see recipe index card below!
Combine the ingredients
To a large pot, add dry, uncooked pasta, butter, olive oil and chicken broth.
Bring to a boil
Halfway through cooking, add the broccoli pieces. Continue boiling until most of the broth is absorbed, not all. We need some for our sauce! If using frozen broccoli, add in the last few minutes of cooking after the cheese is melted.
Thicken the sauce
Lower the heat. Stir in heavy cream and freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until sauce is thickened. Taste first before adding salt and pepper.
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.
How do I prevent my cheese sauce from becoming grainy?
Freshly grated cheese has no added preservatives or chemicals that interfere with the melting process. Use freshly grated cheese and add it gradually over low heat. Avoid overheating once the cheese is added.
There is a sneaky ingredient hiding in pre-shredded cheeses. When you look on the back of the bag, you will almost always find the ingredients potato starch, natamycin or cellulose. These anti-caking agents are what prevent cheeses from clumping and melting properly.
Expert tips from my test kitchen
Do not overcook the broccoli
It should be bright green and tender. Add halfway through cooking.
Freshly grated cheese
Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it doesn’t melt as well and contains added ingredients.
Use the right pasta
Pick a shape like shells or elbows that pockets all the creamy cheeses in every bite.
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.
What can I use instead of pasta?
Zucchini noodles
A low-carb and gluten-free option, zucchini noodles pair nicely with my creamy mac and cheese. Their mild flavor lets the sauce shine while offering a light and healthier alternative.
Spaghetti squash
Roasted spaghetti squash has a naturally sweet and stringy texture, making it the perfect substitute for spaghetti.
Broccoli or cauliflower
Serve your mac and cheese sauce over steamed or sautéed broccoli or cauliflower. This option is ideal for keto diets.
What else can I add to my pasta?
Chicken
Stir in rotisserie chicken for added protein.
Cheeses
Add Parmesan or Monterrey Jack for an extra kick of cheesy flavor.
Extra veggies
Grated carrots are a perfect addition to my creamy mac and cheese. It adds nutrition and flavor!
How to store leftover Broccoli Mac and Cheese
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.
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Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 12 ounces small shape pasta, like shells, elbow or farfalle
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups medium cheddar
- 2 heaping cup broccoli pieces
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
Combine the ingredients
- To a large pot, add dry, uncooked pasta, butter, garlic, olive oil, chicken broth and water.12 ounces small shape pasta, like shells, elbow or farfalle , 4 cups chicken broth, 2 cups water, 4 garlic cloves, 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Bring to a boil
- Halfway through cooking, add the broccoli pieces. Continue boiling for about 15 minutes or so until most of the broth is absorbed, not all. We need some for our sauce! If using frozen broccoli, add in the last few minutes of cooking after the cheese is melted.2 heaping cup broccoli pieces
Thicken the sauce
- Lower the heat. Stir in heavy cream and freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until sauce is thickened. Taste first before adding salt and pepper.2 cups heavy cream, 2 cups medium cheddar, sea salt and cracked black pepper
Notes
- You may use frozen broccoli. Just thaw and drain it well before adding it to the pasta in the last few minutes of cooking.
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
15 Responses
The ultimate comfort meal. This recipe is added to my family’s weekly rotation. We make it every Monday this way we have something to look forward to after the weekend. It truly heals my soul!
Thank you! We are happy to hear you enjoyed our recipe.
This is the only recipe that my kids will eat broccoli! It is so flavorful and perfectly cheesy. Will make again!
Yay! That’s what we love to hear!
Greatest comfort meal of all time. I am so glad I stumbled upon this easy to make recipe. Will make again!
Thank you for the lovely review, Dae!
Yummy pasta recipe. The sauce and quality ingredients is what sold us. Anything with DeLallo is a yes for my family. It reminds us of the pasta back in Italy when we went last summer. Delicious.
Thank you for enjoying our recipe!
So creamy and hearty! We love Delallo products. The best quality.
This looks so yummy! And I love that you added other options for what to use instead of pasta. I will definitely be trying it with zucchini noodles
Thank you, Sam!
Fantastic!
Thank you!
The best broccoli Mac and cheese recipe I’ve ever tried. It’s genius to cook the pasta in chicken broth for extra flavor, protein and nutrients. My kids loved it!! And they typically don’t enjoy broccoli.
It’s one of our favorite recipes too! We’re so glad you enjoyed it.