Name: One Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Elbow Macaroni: 12 ounces, Whole Milk: 4 cups, Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded, Mozzarella Cheese: 1/2 cup shredded, Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons, Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon, Mustard Powder (optional): 1/2 teaspoon, Fresh Broccoli Florets: 3 cups chopped, Salt and Black Pepper: to taste, Chopped Fresh Parsley: for garnish (optional)

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If there’s one comfort food that always hits the spot, it’s a steamy bowl of One Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender broccoli florets, every bite is a cozy hug—plus, there’s just one pot to clean! It’s a dream for busy weeknights, picky eaters, or anytime you’re craving something warm and satisfying. Best of all, you’ll find it’s both effortless and irresistibly delicious, striking the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition.

One Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing complicated here—just a handful of classic, wholesome ingredients that each bring something special to the dish. From the milk that creates the luscious sauce, to the cheddar’s bold flavor and the pop of green broccoli, every component plays its starring role in this One Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese.

Elbow macaroni (12 ounces): The quintessential pasta shape for soaking up all that creamy, cheesy goodness and giving the dish its signature texture.
Whole milk (4 cups): This is the secret to a silky, rich sauce—don’t skip it, as it’s what makes everything so velvety without heavy cream.
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups): Provides depth and that classic cheesy punch; extra sharp for extra flavor.
Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1/2 cup): Brings just the right amount of meltiness and stretch to your mac and cheese.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps emulsify the sauce, making it glossy and smooth.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lends subtle savory warmth—just enough to round everything out.
Mustard powder (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a gentle tang and want to amp up the cheesy flavor even more.
Fresh broccoli florets, chopped (3 cups): Vibrant color, a hint of crunch, and a nutritional boost all rolled into one.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: The classic finishing touch for balanced flavor in every forkful.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional): Adds a pop of freshness and a pretty finishing touch.

How to Make One Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Start the Pasta and Milk

Grab your biggest pot or a Dutch oven—this is where everything magic happens. Pour in the uncooked elbow macaroni (right from the box!) and all the whole milk, then bring it up to a gentle boil over medium heat. It’s important to stir the pasta frequently as it cooks to prevent any sticking on the bottom, giving you a creamy base without any hassle.

Step 2: Simmer for Creamy Perfection

Once your mixture is bubbling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the macaroni cook for about 8 minutes, keeping a close watch and stirring often so nothing clumps or scorches. You’ll see the milk thickening up and the pasta absorbing all the rich flavors—it’s almost like magic, and you’ll smell that comforting aroma start to fill the kitchen.

Step 3: Add the Broccoli

Now for the healthy twist! Stir in your freshly chopped broccoli florets right into the pot with the almost-cooked pasta. Cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, just until the broccoli is a bright pop of green and perfectly crisp-tender—no mushy veggies here. This gives One Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese not only delightful color but a nutritional boost you’ll feel good about.

Step 4: Make It Cheesy and Creamy

Take the pot off the heat, then stir in the butter, garlic powder, and, if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of mustard powder for depth. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses by the handful, stirring constantly so the cheeses melt down into a silky, dreamy sauce that coats the macaroni and broccoli. If you want a creamier sauce, feel free to add a splash more milk at this point. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Spoon generous helpings into bowls while it’s piping hot and gooey. For an extra burst of color and herby freshness, sprinkle with the chopped parsley. Your One Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese is now ready to devour—no extra dishes required!

How to Serve One Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

Brighten up your serving with a scatter of freshly chopped parsley or chives, or try a little sprinkle of smoked paprika or grated Parmesan for extra flair. The pop of green not only makes your bowl gorgeous but also adds a fresh note that cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

While this dish truly shines on its own, it pairs beautifully with simple sides. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad, roasted tomatoes, or even a small bowl of tomato soup for that classic comfort food combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, spoon your One Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese into small ramekins and top with breadcrumbs for a bubbly, cheesy crust (a few minutes under the broiler does the trick). Or serve it as a smaller portion alongside grilled protein or with some hot sauce drizzled on top. It’s incredibly adaptable—make it your own!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any cooled leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. One Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors only get deeper the next day. If you’re meal prepping, portion servings out ahead of time for quick grab-and-go lunches.

Freezing

If you’d like to make it ahead or freeze extra portions, let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It’s best enjoyed within 1-2 months—when reheating, the sauce may separate a little, but a splash of milk and an extra stir will revive its creamy glory.

Reheating

For the creamiest leftovers, reheat your One Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a spoonful of milk as needed to loosen the sauce. Heat slowly and stir often to prevent any cheese from separating or the pasta from drying out, and enjoy it like new.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and mozzarella are classic, feel free to swap in Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even fontina for unique flavors and textures. Just keep the overall quantity about the same to maintain the creamy consistency you love in One Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free elbow macaroni for the regular pasta. Most gluten-free varieties work beautifully with this one-pot method, though you may need to adjust cooking times slightly for perfect texture.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Frozen broccoli is a convenient option—no need to thaw, just add it a minute or two earlier than you would fresh broccoli. It’ll cook down a bit quicker but still add great color and nutrition to your One Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese.

What can I do if my sauce turns out too thick?

If your mac and cheese gets a little thick while sitting, just stir in a splash more milk over low heat until it’s loosened up and creamy again. The one-pot nature of this dish makes tweaks like this super simple!

Can I add protein to make it a complete meal?

Definitely! Stir in cooked chicken, ham, or even crumbled bacon for a heartier spin. Or try some toasted breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for a bit of crunch. The One Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese base is endlessly adaptable to your cravings!

Final Thoughts

I couldn’t be more excited for you to try this One Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese—it’s everything we crave in a homemade comfort meal: creamy, cheesy, a little bit green, and blissfully easy. Whether it’s dinner for a hungry family or cozying up solo with a big bowl, this recipe is sure to land in regular rotation at your table!

One Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this creamy and comforting One Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese recipe that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. With tender pasta, cheesy goodness, and nutritious broccoli all cooked together in one pot, this dish is a family favorite!

Ingredients

Elbow Macaroni:

12 ounces,

Whole Milk:

4 cups,

Sharp Cheddar Cheese:

2 cups shredded,

Mozzarella Cheese:

1/2 cup shredded,

Unsalted Butter:

2 tablespoons,

Garlic Powder:

1/2 teaspoon,

Mustard Powder (optional):

1/2 teaspoon,

Fresh Broccoli Florets:

3 cups chopped,

Salt and Black Pepper:

to taste,

Chopped Fresh Parsley:

for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Combine macaroni and milk in a pot, bring to a boil, then simmer for 8 minutes.
Add Broccoli: Stir in broccoli and cook for 4-5 more minutes until pasta is tender.
Finish Dish: Remove from heat, add seasonings, butter, and cheeses. Stir until melted and creamy.
Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.