One Pot Healthy Broccoli Mac and Cheese

This One Pot Healthy Broccoli Mac and Cheese is quick, creamy, and has a good mix of pasta and broccoli. It uses milk, a bit of broth or water, and melts cheese right into the pot. If you like a classic version, try this classic mac and cheese for another take. This recipe is great for busy weeknights and for feeding kids and adults alike.

Why make this recipe

• Cooks in one pot, so cleanup is fast.
• It adds broccoli for more fiber and vitamins.
• Uses simple ingredients you likely already have.
• It is creamy and cheesy but lighter than many traditional recipes.

How to make One Pot Healthy Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Follow the simple steps below. Use broth instead of water for more flavor if you like. Stir often so the pasta cooks evenly and does not stick.

Ingredients :

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 + 1/2 cups water or broth (I like broth for more flavor)
• 8 oz pasta of choice
• 8-10 oz broccoli, finely chopped
• 2 cups shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup plain Greek-style yogurt
• 1 tbsp butter or ghee (optional)

Directions :

• Bring whole milk and water/broth or a boil, then add your pasta. Reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes.
• Stir in your broccoli and continue to cook 2-3 minutes, until pasta and broccoli are cooked to your liking.
• Remove from heat and stir in cheese, yogurt, and butter/ghee (optional) until cheese is melted. Serve and enjoy!

One Pot Healthy Broccoli Mac and Cheese

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A simple, healthy take on classic mac and cheese that cooks in one pot and tastes great.

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 1/2 cups water or broth
• 8 oz pasta of choice
• 8–10 oz broccoli, finely chopped
• 2 cups shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup plain Greek-style yogurt
• 1 tbsp butter or ghee (optional)

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Instructions

1. Bring whole milk and water/broth to a boil, then add pasta. Reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Stir in broccoli and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, until pasta and broccoli are cooked to your liking.
3. Remove from heat and stir in cheese, yogurt, and optional butter/ghee until cheese is melted. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Use broth instead of water for richer flavor. Stir often to prevent sticking and add cheese off heat to avoid graininess.

• Author: dailyciousrecipes
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

How to serve One Pot Healthy Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Serve hot right from the pot. You can top with extra shredded cheese, a sprinkle of black pepper, or some toasted breadcrumbs for crunch. For a bigger meal, serve alongside a protein or a hearty side like Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage.

HHow to store One Pot Healthy Broccoli Mac and Cheese

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• To reheat, warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short bursts, stirring between heating.
• Do not freeze if the texture matters to you; reheating after freezing can make the cheese sauce separate.

Tips to make One Pot Healthy Broccoli Mac and Cheese

• Use broth instead of water for richer flavor.
• Chop broccoli small so it cooks at the same time as the pasta.
• Stir often to prevent sticking.
• Add the cheese off the heat to avoid grainy texture.
• Use extra-sharp cheddar for more flavor with less cheese.

Variations

• Add cooked chicken, ground turkey, or canned tuna for extra protein.
• Swap half the cheddar for Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder, stretchier sauce.
• Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for more fiber.
• Make it spicy with a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.

FAQs

Q: Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk? A: Yes. The dish will be a bit less rich, but it will still work. You may need to add a little more cheese or yogurt for creaminess.

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli? A: Yes. Add frozen broccoli a minute or two earlier and watch the cooking time so the pasta and broccoli finish together.

Q: How do I stop the cheese from getting grainy? A: Remove the pot from heat before adding cheese and stir in slowly. Also avoid overheating after the cheese is added.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free? A: Use a dairy-free milk that tolerates heat and a dairy-free cheese substitute. Texture and flavor will change.

Conclusion

This one pot broccoli mac and cheese is easy, quick, and stays fairly healthy with added broccoli. It makes a simple family meal with little cleanup. Enjoy!

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