One-Pot Cheddar and Broccoli Macaroni
A creamy, kid-friendly macaroni dish with tender broccoli florets and melted cheddar cheese, all cooked together in one pot for minimal cleanup. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, broccoli florets, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 12 oz elbow macaroni and 2 cups broccoli florets and cook uncovered for 7 minutes until macaroni is tender and broccoli is bright green. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly, until the mixture bubbles and smells nutty.
- Step 3: Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes over medium heat.
- Step 4: Remove the pot from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder until cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Step 5: Return the cooked macaroni and broccoli to the pot and gently fold them into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Serve warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Cheddar and Broccoli Macaroni take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 One-Pot Cheddar and Broccoli Macaroni?
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 One-Pot Cheddar and Broccoli Macaroni?
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 One-Pot Cheddar and Broccoli Macaroni 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 One-Pot Cheddar and Broccoli Macaroni?
Italian 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.
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