One Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe (Rich & Creamy!)

One Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese is an easy dinner recipe made with tender pasta, broccoli, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce all in one pot. Hearty, flavorful, and family-friendly, it's the perfect comfort food meal for busy weeknights.

Updated April 2026: I've refreshed this post with expanded tips, a full FAQ, make-ahead guidance, serving suggestions, and more helpful details based on your questions and feedback. Originally posted August 17, 2018, and photos updated April 17, 2023.

Some of my best weeknight memories happened around a pot of something cheesy on the stove. This one pot broccoli mac and cheese is exactly that kind of recipe. The kind where everyone gathers in the kitchen before it's even done because the smell alone pulls them in. I've been making versions of this dish for years, and I can tell you that cooking the pasta right in the chicken broth and heavy cream is what makes all the difference. You end up with this impossibly creamy, deeply savory sauce that no box could ever compete with.

I've been cooking from scratch for over 13 years, and one-pot pasta dinners are something I come back to again and again, not because they're shortcuts, but because they're genuinely smarter cooking. When the pasta cooks directly in the liquid, it releases starch into the sauce and absorbs all that savory chicken broth flavor as it goes. That's why this broccoli mac and cheese tastes so much richer than recipes that boil pasta in plain water first.

This is the kind of recipe that becomes a weeknight staple the very first time you make it. Let's get started!

Why You'll Love This One Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese

• Ready in 30 minutes - Start to finish, this broccoli mac and cheese is on the table fast enough for even the busiest weeknights.
• One pot, minimal cleanup - Everything, the broccoli, the pasta, the cheese sauce, cooks in a single pot. Fewer dishes, more time at the table.
• Rich, restaurant-style flavor - Cooking the pasta in chicken broth and heavy cream instead of plain water gives this mac and cheese a depth of flavor that's hard to believe came from your own stovetop.
• Easy to customize - Add a protein, swap the cheese, or use whatever short pasta you have on hand. This recipe works with what you've got.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Butter - Just a tablespoon to start the aromatics. It adds a rich base and helps the onion soften without burning.
• Onion and Garlic - These two work together to build the savory foundation of the cheese sauce. Yellow or white onion works best here; either fresh minced garlic or a quality jarred version will do the job.
• Chicken Broth - This is one of the things that makes this recipe special. The pasta cooks directly in the broth, soaking up all that savory flavor as it absorbs the liquid. If you need to keep it vegetarian, vegetable broth is a great swap.
• Heavy Cream - This is what gives the sauce its signature creamy, velvety texture. Don't be tempted to swap it for milk, the sauce won't be nearly as rich.
• Elbow Pasta - The classic choice for mac and cheese, and for good reason. The little elbows hold the sauce beautifully. Any short pasta with a similar cooking time will work, more on that in Variations.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese - Mild, sharp, or extra sharp all work, but I love sharp cheddar for the boldest flavor. Buy a block and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
• Parmesan Cheese - Freshly grated Parmesan adds saltiness and helps thicken the sauce right at the end. It's the finishing touch that makes the sauce taste complete.
• Fresh Broccoli Florets - Chopped into bite-sized pieces and added partway through cooking so they become tender without turning mushy. Fresh is best for texture and color.

👉🏾 See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.

How to Make One Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Melt the butter in a large, deep-sided pot over medium-high heat until it's foamy. Add the diced onion and cook for 1-2 minutes until it begins to soften and turn translucent. Then add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about 1 minute until it's fragrant. Don't rush this step, the aromatics build the savory backbone that flavors the entire dish.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta in the Liquid

Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, and elbow pasta to the pot and stir to combine. Bring everything to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the pasta simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you want some liquid remaining, the pasta will continue to absorb it as you finish the dish.

Step 3: Add the Broccoli

Add the chopped broccoli florets and stir gently to combine. Continue cooking for another 8 minutes, stirring often to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The broccoli should be bright green and just fork-tender when done, not mushy. If you prefer softer broccoli, add it a minute or two earlier.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese

Remove the pot from the heat before adding the cheese, this is important. Off-heat cheese melting prevents the sauce from breaking or becoming grainy. Add the shredded cheddar and Parmesan a little at a time, stirring after each addition until fully melted and combined. The sauce will look loose at first, but will thicken beautifully as it cools for a few minutes.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the pot sit off the heat for 2-3 minutes before serving. The sauce thickens significantly during this rest, going from pourable to perfectly creamy. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper as needed.

LaKita's Expert Tips

• Shred the cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese from a bag contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. A block of cheddar and a box grater take about 3 extra minutes and make a noticeable difference in texture.
• Don't add the cheese over high heat. Always remove the pot from the heat before stirring in the cheese. Adding cheese to a boiling or very hot sauce causes it to seize and become grainy instead of silky.
• Keep stirring. Because the pasta is cooking directly in the liquid (not in a separate pot of boiling water), it needs attention. Stir every 2-3 minutes to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
• The sauce will look thin, don't panic. Right after adding the cheese, the sauce will seem looser than you expect. Give it 2-3 minutes off the heat to thicken. Resist the urge to add more cheese or keep cooking.
• Size matters with broccoli. Chop the florets into pieces roughly the same size as the pasta. Pieces that are too large stay too firm. Pieces that are too small can fall apart and disappear into the sauce. About 1-inch pieces are the sweet spot.
• Season at the end. The chicken broth and Parmesan both bring salt. Always taste the finished dish before adding any extra salt. You may need less than you think.
• Use a large pot. The pasta and broth take up more room than you expect before reducing. A 5-6 quart pot prevents boil-over and gives you room to stir comfortably.

Variations & Substitutions

• Add a protein. Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken, chopped cooked bacon, or sliced smoked sausage right before adding the cheese. This turns a side dish into a full one-pot meal.
• Swap the pasta. Any short pasta with a similar cook time works beautifully. Cavatappi, medium shells, rotini, fusilli, or bow ties. Just check the package cooking time and adjust the liquid slightly if needed.
• Try different cheeses. Smoked Gouda adds a deep, smoky note. Gruyère makes it feel more sophisticated. Monterey Jack gives a milder, creamier melt. Whatever you choose, a blend of sharp cheddar plus a second cheese is always a winning combination.
• Use frozen broccoli in a pinch. If fresh isn't available, thaw frozen broccoli completely and pat it dry before adding it to the pot. Add it in the last 3-4 minutes of cooking (rather than 8) since it's already partially cooked and just needs to heat through.
• Make it vegetarian. Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth in equal measure. The flavor profile shifts slightly, a touch more neutral, but it's still delicious.
• Spice it up. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard stirred in with the broth adds a subtle heat or tang that plays beautifully against the richness of the cheese sauce.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Make-Ahead

This recipe is best made fresh because the pasta continues to absorb the sauce as it sits. That said, you can prep your components in advance: chop the broccoli and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days, shred the cheese and refrigerate it in an airtight bag, and dice the onion up to 24 hours ahead. When you're ready to cook, everything comes together in 30 minutes.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce will thicken considerably once chilled, this is normal.

To reheat on the stovetop: Add the desired portion to a small saucepan over low heat with 2-3 tablespoons of chicken broth or milk. Stir gently and heat until warmed through, and the sauce has loosened back to a creamy consistency.

To reheat in the microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl and add a splash of milk or broth (about 1-2 tablespoons per serving). Cover loosely and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

This dish does not freeze well. The pasta becomes mushy and the cheese sauce separates upon thawing.

What to Serve with One Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese

• As a main dish - Serve it with a simple green salad or a side of garlic bread and call it dinner. This is hearty enough to stand on its own.
• Alongside grilled or roasted chicken - The richness of the mac and cheese pairs beautifully with something simple and well-seasoned. Try it with Roasted Chicken Thighs for a classic combination.
• With a veggie side - Round out the meal with something lighter. Hibachi Vegetables are a quick and flavorful complement.
• At a cookout or potluck - This travels well and is always a crowd-pleaser. Pair it with Oven Roasted Broccoli for a broccoli-forward spread that covers all the textures.
• For the kids - Serve alongside sliced fruit or a simple side salad. The cheesy pasta is one of those rare meals that wins over even the pickiest eaters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did You Make This Recipe?

If you give this one pot broccoli mac and cheese a try, I'd love to know what you think! Leave a comment below and a star rating, it helps more than you know. Share a photo on Instagram and tag @SimplyLaKita so I can see your version, or save it on Pinterest for the next time a cheesy weeknight dinner is exactly what's needed. Questions? Drop them in the comments, I'm always happy to help!