One Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese

This post has been sponsored by Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA). All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Try making this comforting, simple, and delicious One Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese. It's a rich and creamy pasta recipe the whole family will enjoy. Hearty, cheesy, and loaded with flavor.

If you're craving more simple and delicious recipes made with broccoli, then be sure to try making a Chicken and Broccoli Casserole or some Oven Roasted Broccoli. For another macaroni and cheese recipe, try making some Stovetop White Cheddar Mac and Cheese.

Have you ever really given any thought to where exactly our produce comes from? If you're anything like me, then you may have thought about it for a second and come up with an idea that you weren't entirely sure if it was correct or not.

Well luckily for me I was recently invited to take a farm tour of four family-owned farms in North Florida (St. Augustine area) with the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) plus tour sponsors, Agriculture Communicator of Florida and Fresh From Florida.

Being able to visit L&M Companies, Tater Farms, Blue Sky Farms, Smith's Farm, and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) was an eye-opening experience that I will never forget.

I was able to see first-hand how these family farms are responsible for a significant part of Florida's speciality crops including potatoes, cabbage, kale, citrus, and broccoli.

Speaking of broccoli, I will be using the fresh broccoli that I received from L&M Companies to pair with macaroni and cheese to make a tasty one pot meal that is ready in 30 minutes.

This broccoli macaroni and cheese is creamy and loaded with a sharp cheesy flavor. You'll save a little time with this recipe because there is no need to boil the pasta before or in a separate pot, the best part in my opinion. I hope you get the chance to grab some fresh broccoli and give it a try for yourself.

Let's get started!

Ingredients You'll Need

1. Fresh Broccoli Florets - Chop fresh broccoli florets into smaller pieces. They do not have to be even, just similar in size. Be sure to locate fresh broccoli labeled Fresh from Florida at the grocery store in the produce section. I would not recommend using frozen broccoli for this particular recipe.
2. Butter - Use salted or unsalted butter, whichever you prefer. This ingredient helps to thicken the sauce and give it a nice buttery texture.
3. Onion - Try to use yellow onion or white onion for this pasta recipe. Dice a medium size onion to saute in the butter to soften the onion until translucent. Adds a mild and mellow flavor that helps to build the cheese sauce.
4. Garlic - Provides a slightly nutty flavor to the mac and cheese. Use fresh garlic that you mince yourself or a pre-minced version in a jar with minimal ingredients.
5. Chicken Broth - Helps to cook the pasta and give it a savory flavor. If you prefer to use vegetable broth or chicken stock, you may substitute them in the same unit of measure.
6. Heavy Cream - Thickens the pasta sauce and gives it a creamy texture.
7. Elbow Pasta - Traditionally used to make macaroni and cheese, but you may also use any short pasta that you prefer, such as cavatappi, medium shells, or fusilli.
8. Cheddar Cheese - Mild, sharp, or extra sharp cheddar cheese will work. If you would like to use a blend of cheddar that will work also. Try to shred the cheese yourself using a box grater because it melts better than the shredded cheese in a bag.
9. Parmesan Cheese - Adds saltiness and thickness to finish off the cheesy pasta.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and instructions.

Step By Step Instructions

Begin the recipe by grabbing a large deep-sided pot or saucepan. Place it on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Add in the butter and allow it to melt and become foamy, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Next, add the diced onion and cook until it beings to soften and become translucent, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the minced garlic and stir constantly until it becomes fragrant, about 1 minute.

Slowly add in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and elbow pasta. Stir to combine. Allow the pasta to come to a rolling boil before adjusting the heat to low. Do not cover the pasta, allow it to simmer for 5 minutes.

Add the chopped broccoli and gently stir to combine. Continue cooking the pasta for 8 minutes, stirring often to prevent the pasta from sticking.

Slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated parmesan cheese a little at a time until completely melted and combined.

Carefully remove the pasta from the heat. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Serve warm and enjoy!

Recipe Tips & Tricks

• Shred the cheddar cheese from a block instead of using the pre-shredded cheese in a bag. It melts better and does not contain any extra ingredients.
• Be sure to use fresh broccoli and not frozen for best results.
• Any short pasta will work instead of elbows. Try using cavatappi, medium shells, rotini, bow tie, or fusilli.
• Try adding in some shredded rotisserie chicken, chopped cooked bacon, and chopped fully cooked sausage along with the shredded cheese for additional flavor and protein.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to serve again, reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warm.

Recipe

Original post date 08/17/2018. Updated 04/17/2023.

More Recipes You'll Love

• Stovetop White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
• Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
• Oven Roasted Broccoli
• Baked Potato Wedges Recipe
• Sweet and Sour Cabbage
• Potato, Kale, and Sausage Soup

Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ideas and ways to enjoy this Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese Recipe? Please share them in the comment section below!