One Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Try making this 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.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time20 minutes mins
Total Time30 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: broccoli mac and cheese
Servings: 8
Calories: 402kcal
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 32 ounces chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups elbow pasta, uncooked
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 ½ cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Begin the recipe by grabbing a large deep-sided pot or saucepan. Place it on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Add in the 1 tablespoon butter and allow it to melt and become foamy, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the 1 medium diced onion and cook until it beings to soften and become translucent, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the 2 cloves minced garlic and stir constantly until it becomes fragrant, about 1 minute.
Slowly add in the 32 ounces chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, 2 cups elbow pasta, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper. 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 1 ½ cups 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 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup 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!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- 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.
Calories: 402kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 951mg | Potassium: 245mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 911IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 305mg | Iron: 1mg