Kid-Approved Cheesy Veggie Mac with Whole Wheat Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A wholesome twist on mac and cheese featuring hidden vegetables and whole grain pasta for family-friendly comfort food. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 37 minutes pairs whole wheat elbow pasta, steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese 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.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 22 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Steam broccoli until tender-crisp (about 5 minutes), then chop into small florets.
  3. Step 3: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour to form a paste. Cook for 1 minute without browning.
  4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in milk and 1/2 tsp salt, then simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar and 1/2 cup mozzarella until melted. Add garlic powder and 1/4 tsp salt.
  6. Step 6: Fold cooked pasta and chopped broccoli into the cheese sauce, stirring until evenly coated.
  7. Step 7: Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining 1/4 cup cheddar, and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Kid-Approved Cheesy Veggie Mac with Whole Wheat Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 37 minutes (15 min prep + 22 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 Kid-Approved Cheesy Veggie Mac with Whole Wheat Pasta?

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 whole wheat elbow pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Kid-Approved Cheesy Veggie Mac with Whole Wheat Pasta?

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 Kid-Approved Cheesy Veggie Mac with Whole Wheat Pasta 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 Kid-Approved Cheesy Veggie Mac with Whole Wheat Pasta?

American kid friendly 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

Related recipes