Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Patricia Martinescu from Bake Cook Repeat

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.

5 from 7 votes

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 25

Total Time 30

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 473 kcal

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

Click between "US Customary" or "Metric" button above to switch between conversions. For precise results, it's recommended to weigh your dry ingredients using a digital scale in grams as measuring in cups can have uncertainties.

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

Calories: 473kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 4gFat: 50gSaturated Fat: 27gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 129mgSodium: 729mgPotassium: 136mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1613IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 0.3mg

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

Keyword Easy dinner, Easy dinner recipes, Entree, One-pot meal, Pasta

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