If you’re craving comfort food with a wholesome twist, this Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need to brighten up your dinner table. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender broccoli florets, this dish transforms a classic favorite into a lighter, vibrant delight that will satisfy both cheesy cravings and your desire for something nutritious. It’s quick, comforting, and effortlessly delicious—the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pot filled with two main layers: the bottom layer is yellow, ridged shell pasta that fills most of the pot, and mixed evenly throughout are bright green broccoli florets with a textured surface and short stems. The pot has handles on each side, and it sits on a white marbled surface. The lighting is bright and natural, showing the details and colors clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to nailing this Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe. Each component brings a special element: pasta delivers that familiar, satisfying texture; cheese adds rich, bold flavor; broccoli provides a fresh pop of color and a healthy boost; and the creamy sauce ties it all together in perfect harmony.

8 oz medium shell pasta: Shells are perfect for catching cheesy sauce, making every bite gooey and flavorful.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness and adds a silky richness to the sauce.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This is essential for thickening the sauce to that luscious, creamy consistency.
1 cup whole milk: Whole milk gives the sauce a creamy base without overpowering the other flavors.
⅓ cup heavy cream: Just enough cream to turn the sauce extra decadent and smooth.
8 oz block sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated: Sharp cheddar provides that classic tangy kick and meltiness that defines mac and cheese.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making the dish perfectly seasoned.
2 cups bite sized broccoli florets: Adds a fresh, green crunch and a healthy touch that balances the richness.

How to Make Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Cook your medium shell pasta until it’s al dente—meaning tender but still with a little firmness when bitten. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets so they soften just enough to be perfectly tender without turning mushy. This simple timing trick cooks the broccoli just right and saves cleanup time.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

While your pasta and broccoli are cooking, melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and keep whisking constantly for about 1 minute. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and creates a smooth roux that will thicken your cheese sauce wonderfully.

Step 3: Add the Dairy for Creaminess

Next, slowly stir in the whole milk and heavy cream. Keep whisking as the mixture heats and thickens, which usually takes around 5 minutes. This creates the rich and velvety base that will carry the cheesy goodness to every bite of pasta and broccoli.

Step 4: Combine Cheese and Seasoning

Once your sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and mix in the salt along with the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts completely into the sauce. This is where the dish comes alive with that signature creamy, cheesy flavor.

Step 5: Mix Pasta and Broccoli with Cheese Sauce

Drain the pasta and broccoli carefully, then stir them into the warm cheese sauce. Give everything a good, gentle fold so every shell is coated in that irresistible cheesy sauce and the broccoli is evenly distributed. Serve immediately for the best experience of comfort and flavor.

How to Serve Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe

The image shows a white pot filled with a creamy pasta dish. The pasta is shell-shaped and covered in a smooth, light yellow cheese sauce mixed evenly throughout. Bright green broccoli pieces are scattered across the pasta, adding a fresh contrast of color. The pot sits on a white marbled surface, enhancing the colors of the food. The texture of the pasta looks soft and the sauce coats every piece well with small bits of broccoli visible in and around the shells. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To jazz up this Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe, add a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for a gentle kick or some chopped fresh parsley to brighten its look and flavor. A light dusting of smoked paprika also works wonders if you want a subtle smoky note that complements the cheese beautifully.

Side Dishes

This comforting dish pairs marvelously with crisp green salads dressed with tangy vinaigrette that cuts through the richness. For heartier meals, roasted chicken or grilled sausages add protein and a savory contrast without stealing the spotlight from your star mac and cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests or make family dinners extra fun? Serve this Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe in mini ramekins and top with toasted breadcrumbs for a crunchy golden crust. Alternatively, stuff it into bell pepper halves and bake until the peppers soften—this adds a pop of color and an unexpected twist kids and adults alike will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, simply transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making the next-day meal just as tasty. Just remember to stir before reheating as the cheese sauce can settle.

Freezing

This Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe freezes well for up to 2 months. Portion it out before freezing in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for even reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the mac and cheese gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk if the sauce feels too thick or dry to bring back that luscious creaminess you fell in love with.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta in the Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe?

Absolutely! While medium shell pasta is great at holding the sauce, elbows, cavatappi, or even penne work wonderfully too. Just pick a pasta that can scoop up the cheese sauce well.

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

Definitely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch (use less cornstarch, about half the amount) to thicken the sauce. Also, choose gluten-free pasta to keep everything safe and tasty.

Can I add other vegetables besides broccoli?

Of course! Cauliflower, peas, or chopped spinach are excellent choices that blend seamlessly into this mac and cheese, adding more color and nutrients while keeping the comforting creaminess intact.

What type of cheddar cheese is best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar gives the best balance of flavor and meltability, but feel free to experiment with mild cheddar or even mixing in some white cheddar or Monterey Jack for a creamier texture.

How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

To keep the sauce perfectly smooth, always grate your cheese fresh rather than using pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents. Also, remove the sauce from heat before adding the cheese and stir gently until melted completely.

Final Thoughts

There’s simply something magical about this Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe—comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and brightened up with fresh broccoli. It’s quick to prepare, perfect for weeknights or casual dinners, and sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. Don’t wait to give it a try and share the joy of homemade mac and cheese with a fresh twist!