If you’re searching for a hearty, soul-warming comfort food that sneaks in some extra veggies, look no further than this Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese. It’s everything you love about classic mac and cheese — ultra-smooth, cheesy sauce cloaking tender pasta — with bursts of bright green broccoli bringing freshness, color, and a mild, sweet crunch. This family favorite is the kind of dish everyone digs into eagerly, whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or as a crowd-pleasing potluck centerpiece. Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese is pure nostalgia with a modern, veggie-forward twist that’s almost impossible to resist.

Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple ingredients, each playing an essential role in creating a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. You don’t have to go hunting for fancy items—just gather these kitchen staples, and you’re well on your way to the creamiest, dreamiest pasta ever.

Elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta: The foundation of any mac and cheese, these little noodles perfectly trap all that luscious cheese sauce.
Broccoli florets (fresh or frozen): Adds wonderful color and a tender bite that pairs perfectly with the cheesy base.
Unsalted butter: The starting point for a silky roux that builds flavor right from the first stir.
All-purpose flour: Whisked into the butter to help thicken the sauce and give it that classic, velvet texture.
Whole milk: Brings creaminess and body without overwhelming the dish.
Heavy cream: The secret to a decadent, extra-smooth cheese sauce.
Garlic powder: For gentle garlicky warmth in every forkful.
Mustard powder: Adds a tangy zip that elevates the cheese flavor beautifully.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning everything to perfection—don’t skip the taste test!
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The backbone of the cheese sauce, giving it bold flavor and gorgeous color.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts like a dream for that irresistible cheesy pull.
Grated Parmesan cheese: For a salty, nutty finish that makes the sauce sing.

How to Make Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook Pasta and Broccoli

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your macaroni and cook it according to the package instructions. In the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets so they can become beautifully tender but still retain some bite. Drain everything well and set the pasta and broccoli aside—you’ll bring them back soon for their cheesy transformation.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Using the same pot (fewer dishes to wash is always a win), melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until it turns golden and bubbly. This step creates the backbone for your sauce, ensuring it thickens up luxuriously and never tastes floury.

Step 3: Whisk in Dairy and Seasonings

Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to banish any lumps. Stir in the garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, occasionally stirring, until it gently thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese

Lower the heat and add the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the cheeses are fully melted, yielding a smooth, glossy sauce that smells absolutely divine. Make sure not to rush this step—the slower you melt, the silkier your sauce will be!

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta and broccoli back into the pot, stirring until every nook and cranny is coated in that glorious cheese sauce. Your Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese is now ready to be dished up, piping hot and irresistibly gooey.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

Upgrade your Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese moment with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese, a dusting of Parmesan, or a handful of chopped fresh parsley. For a bit of crunch, consider toasted breadcrumbs or even crispy onions on top—each bite turns into something special.

Side Dishes

This dish stands tall on its own, but it’s also lovely alongside a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or simple garlic bread for dipping. These sides bring balance and freshness, rounding out your comforting meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests, try scooping the mac and cheese into individual ramekins for personal servings, or pile it into a hollowed-out bread bowl for a showstopper presentation. You can even stir in roasted tomatoes, crispy bacon, or cooked chicken to make your Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese uniquely yours.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The pasta and sauce keep their texture surprisingly well, making this dish a favorite for meal prepping or next-day lunches.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, portion the cooled mac and cheese into freezer-safe containers and store for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and know that the sauce may need a dash of milk or cream to revive its signature creaminess.

Reheating

Gently rewarm Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk and stirring until the sauce loosens and becomes silky again. For single servings, microwaving with a bit of added milk works perfectly—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While classic elbow macaroni is always a winner, any short pasta shape—like shells, penne, or rotini—works beautifully. Just be sure the pasta has some curves or nooks to hold onto all that luscious cheese sauce.

Is it okay to use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Frozen broccoli florets are a convenient option. Add them to the boiling pasta in the last few minutes, just as you would with fresh, and they’ll cook through perfectly without any extra steps.

How can I make Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese gluten-free?

Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a one-for-one gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for the roux. The dish will still turn out creamy and delicious!

What cheeses work best besides the ones listed?

Feel free to play with other meltable cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or fontina for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to include at least one cheddar for that classic mac and cheese taste.

Can I add protein to make it a full meal?

Definitely! Stirring in cooked chicken, ham, or even crispy bacon can bulk up Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese, turning it into a complete, protein-packed dinner everyone will love.

Final Thoughts

When you’re craving something utterly comforting and guaranteed to please a crowd, this Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese simply can’t be beat. The combination of silky cheese sauce, tender pasta, and vibrant broccoli creates pure mealtime magic. Give it a try—you’ll be reaching for seconds before you know it!

Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese recipe. A velvety cheese sauce coats tender pasta and nutritious broccoli for a satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale

For the pasta and broccoli:

12 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

For the cheese sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Cook the pasta and broccoli: Boil salted water, add pasta and broccoli, cook, drain, and set aside.
Make the cheese sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, add milk and cream, season, cook until thickened. Stir in cheeses until melted.
Combine and serve: Add pasta and broccoli to the sauce, stir to coat. Serve hot, garnished as desired.