Description
Indulge in this rich and creamy mac and cheese with a healthy twist of added broccoli. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a comforting meal on a chilly evening.
Ingredients
Scale
Mac and Cheese:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups chopped fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional topping)
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni and add broccoli during the last 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and cream. Cook until thickened. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until creamy. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine and Serve: Mix in the cooked pasta and broccoli. Optionally, transfer to a baking dish, top with Parmesan, and broil until golden. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra richness, try Gruyère or fontina cheese.
- Frozen broccoli works well; ensure it’s thawed and drained.
- For a baked version, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
