Simple Veggie-Packed Macaroni and Cheese

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

A creamy macaroni and cheese enriched with hidden vegetables like carrots and peas, making it a comforting and nutritious meal for kids. This Kid Friendly-inspired comfort-food recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs elbow macaroni, carrot, frozen peas for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 430 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Kid Friendly cuisine 430 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add 8 oz elbow macaroni. Cook for 7-8 minutes until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until foaming.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is bubbly and lightly golden.
  4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in 2 1/2 cups whole milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
  6. Step 6: Add 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 medium finely grated carrot, and 1/2 cup thawed frozen peas to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine.
  7. Step 7: Fold the drained macaroni into the sauce until evenly coated.
  8. Step 8: Serve warm for a creamy, veggie-packed macaroni and cheese.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simple Veggie-Packed Macaroni and Cheese take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Simple Veggie-Packed Macaroni and 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 Simple Veggie-Packed Macaroni and 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 Simple Veggie-Packed Macaroni and 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 Simple Veggie-Packed Macaroni and Cheese?

Kid Friendly comfort food 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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