This One Pot Mac and Cheese with Broccoli is the kind of dinner that feels comforting without feeling heavy. It’s cozy, cheesy, and perfect for busy nights when you want something warm and familiar with minimal cleanup.
Table of Contents
What is One Pot Mac and Cheese with Broccoli?
One pot mac and cheese with broccoli is a streamlined take on classic mac and cheese, where everything cooks together in a single pot. The pasta absorbs flavor as it cooks, the sauce turns silky right in the pan, and the broccoli softens just enough to stay vibrant and fresh!
Because everything happens in one pot, the starch from the pasta naturally helps thicken the sauce, creating that creamy texture without extra steps. It’s an easy way to get a comforting, family-friendly meal on the table while sneaking in some greens.
Ingredients You Need
- Pasta – We love using elbow macaroni or cavatappi because they cook evenly and catch the cheese sauce in every curve, making each bite extra creamy. They also hold up well to one-pot cooking without turning mushy.
- Broccoli Florets – This veg adds a pop of color and a fresh, slightly earthy flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and sneaks in some extra nutrients, too. Cutting the florets into small, even pieces helps them cook at the same pace as the pasta.
- Milk and Heavy Cream – These create the base of the sauce and help everything come together smoothly.
- Broth – Using chicken broth (or your broth of choice) gives the pasta even more flavor and adds depth to the whole dish.
- Cheddar Cheese and Monterey Jack – We love using sharp cheddar because it melts smoothly and brings a classic flavor to the dish. Grating it yourself helps it melt more evenly into the sauce.
- Garlic – This aromatic adds a warm, savory flavor that keeps the dish from tasting flat.
- Salt – This essential seasoning brings out all of the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Black Pepper – Pepper adds a gentle bite that contrasts with the creamy sauce. Freshly cracked pepper gives the best flavor.
How to Make One Pot Mac and Cheese with Broccoli
- Cook the Pasta and Broccoli. Add the pasta, broccoli, broth, and seasonings to a large pot and stir to combine. Let everything cook together, stirring often, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened.
- Build the Sauce. Next, stir in the milk, cream, and cheese, letting it melt completely, coating the pasta and broccoli. If you want to crisp up the top, transfer it to a baking dish and broil for a couple of minutes.
- Finish and Serve. Finally, taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then serve while warm and creamy. The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it sits.
Variations
- Extra Cheesy – Add another blend of cheeses like mozzarella or fontina to make the sauce even creamier and stretchier.
- Protein – Toward the end of the cooking process, stir in cooked chicken, crispy bacon, or sautéed sausage to make it more filling.
- Spiciness – Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a little heat that cuts through the richness.
- Veggies – Mix in peas, spinach, or roasted cauliflower for extra color and texture.
- Whole Grain – Swap in whole-wheat pasta for a nuttier flavor and heartier bite.
- Gluten-Free – Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, keeping an eye on texture as it cooks.
- Garlic – Roast the garlic first for a sweeter, deeper flavor throughout the dish.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Once stored, the pasta will continue to absorb sauce, so leftovers may thicken and lose some of their creaminess.
For the refrigerator, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and add a splash of milk, cream, or broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.
For the freezer, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. The texture may be slightly softer once thawed and reheated.
Common Questions about One Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Yes, frozen broccoli works well, but it may release extra moisture and become softer than fresh. For the best results, thaw and drain it before adding it to the dish.
The pasta continues to absorb liquid as it sits, so adding a splash of milk while reheating helps restore creaminess.
Adding cheese off the heat and stirring gradually helps it melt smoothly.
Yes! Just reheat it gently and stir in a little milk before serving.
More Mac and Cheese Recipes
If mac and cheese is your comfort-food love language (like it is ours!), you’re in the right place. These recipes bring all the cozy vibes with fun twists and plenty of cheesy goodness!
Baked Mac and Cheese
Crockpot Mac and Cheese
One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
Hidden Veggie Green Mac and Cheese
One Pot Mac and Cheese
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Ingredients
- 16 ounces uncooked pasta
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or broth of choice
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt more or less to taste
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper more or less to taste
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese grated
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese grated
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Add pasta, broth, garlic, broccoli, and seasonings. Stir. Bring to a boil, and cover. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is tender.16 ounces uncooked pasta, 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or broth of choice, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 3 cups broccoli florets, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Add cheese, heavy cream, and remaining ingredients. Stir until nice and creamy. Add a splash of milk if you like it creamier. Option: Feel free to broil in the oven for a few minutes to crisp the top!1/2 cup cheddar cheese, 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup whole milk
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What is a serving? I couldn’t find it on the recipe. Thank you in advance 🙂
Hi Raquel,
Great question! The serving size on this is about 1 cup. We hope that helps!
xo,
Alia & Radwa
Love this recipe! Can this be frozen?
Hi Katheren,
Great question! You can store this in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you reheat it, the texture may change slightly, but just heat it gently on the stovetop and stir in some milk, cream, or a bit of chicken broth, and it should come together nicely! We hope that helps!
xo,
Alia & Radwa
Can I just use cheddar cheese 1/12 cups?
Hi Karla,
Yes, you can swap out the Monterey Jack cheese for an equal amount of cheddar!
xo,
Alia & Radwa
Best mac & cheese ever♡ It’s easy and fast and delicious. My family loved it, I’ll put it on the yummy list.
Thank you so much, Shary! 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Absolutely delicious and so easy! My son loved it!
Thank you, Denise! We’re so glad it was a hit. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Delicious recipe! I agree with other commenters that the additional 1/2 cup of milk is unnecessary (the video doesn’t show it being used either). I’d skip it and then if you think you need more liquid then add it at the end. I also didn’t add any additional salt, but did throw in a few shakes of ground mustard and on dash of cayenne. I definitely plan to make this again!
Thank you for the feedback, Noelle! We’re so glad you enjoyed the recipe. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Made the Broccoli Mac & Cheese for dinner..with Chickpea pasta!
GREAT MEAL!
Thank you, Debra! We’re so glad you enjoyed it! 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa