Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese
This creamy broccoli mac and cheese is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. The combination of tender pasta shells, fresh broccoli florets, and a rich cheese sauce creates a satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s quick to prepare and sure to please both kids and adults alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: No bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces medium pasta shells
- 3 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ⅓ cups whole milk
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 6 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and shallot, cooking until fragrant and softened, about 2 minutes.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly browned. Gradually add the milk, half and half, and Dijon mustard, whisking continuously until the sauce starts to thicken, about 3-4 minutes. Adjust consistency with additional milk if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in the cooked pasta shells, chopped broccoli, and grated cheddar cheese. Continue to cook until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined, about 3-4 minutes.
- Enjoy immediately, while it’s warm and cheesy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg