Hidden Veggie Creamy Mac & Cheese
A velvety cheese sauce packed with pureed carrots and zucchini that kids won't even notice, served over tender elbow pasta. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, finely grated carrots, finely grated zucchini for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup, finely grated carrots
- 1 cup, finely grated zucchini
- 1 cup, shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup, shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Steam 1 cup grated carrots and 1 cup grated zucchini for 8 minutes until very tender, then puree in a food processor until smooth.
- Step 2: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbly, stirring constantly.
- Step 3: Gradually whisk in 2 cups chicken broth and 1 cup milk, then bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp salt until melted and smooth.
- Step 5: Add the pureed carrot-zucchini mixture and stir until fully incorporated and heated through, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Step 6: Add 8 oz cooked elbow macaroni to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Hidden Veggie Creamy Mac & Cheese take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Hidden Veggie Creamy Mac & Cheese?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep elbow macaroni from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Hidden Veggie Creamy Mac & Cheese?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Hidden Veggie Creamy Mac & Cheese for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Hidden Veggie Creamy Mac & Cheese?
American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
