One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Mac Quick and Tasty Meal

September 30, 2025 by Rosie

Looking for a quick and easy meal? You’ve come to the right place! This One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Mac is simple to make and full of flavor. In just one pot, you’ll find warm elbow macaroni, tender broccoli, and gooey cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy evenings or a cozy weekend lunch, this dish will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

8 oz elbow macaroni
4 cups vegetable broth
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup cream cheese (optional for creaminess)
Chopped chives or parsley for garnish

Gathering your ingredients is key to a smooth cooking process. You will need 8 oz of elbow macaroni, which forms the base of this dish. The pasta cooks in 4 cups of vegetable broth, giving it flavor.

Next, grab 2 cups of broccoli florets. They add color and nutrition. For that cheesy goodness, you will need 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded. The cheese melts beautifully into the dish.

You will also need 1 cup of milk, which can be dairy or non-dairy. This adds creaminess to your mac. To enhance the flavor, include 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. A pinch of smoked paprika (½ teaspoon) brings a lovely depth.

Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. For cooking, you’ll need 2 tablespoons of olive oil. If you want an extra creamy texture, consider adding ¼ cup of cream cheese. Finally, for garnish, chop some chives or parsley to top your dish.

Having all these ingredients ready will make cooking easier and more fun.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. This step adds flavor to the dish.

2. Next, add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni. Toast it for 1-2 minutes. Stir often until it turns slightly golden.

3. Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. This broth brings rich flavor to the pasta.

4. Add 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine these seasonings.

5. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is al dente.

Adding Broccoli and Finishing Touches

1. When the pasta is almost done, add 2 cups of broccoli florets. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This makes the broccoli tender and bright green.

2. Remove the pot from heat. Stir in 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.

3. If you want extra creaminess, stir in ¼ cup of cream cheese.

4. Taste your dish. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

5. Serve immediately. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley for a fresh touch.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting Your Dish

Salting your water is key. It makes the pasta taste great. Add salt to the boiling broth, not just at the end. Taste the dish while you cook. This helps you catch any missing flavors. Adjust as needed to make it just right.

Enhancing Flavor and Texture

For extra creaminess, add cream cheese. It makes the dish rich and smooth. Mix it in after cooking. The cheese will melt in and add depth.

Try different cheese varieties for unique flavors. Sharp cheddar gives a bold taste. You can also use mozzarella for stretchiness. Blend cheeses for a fun twist. Each choice changes the dish in tasty ways.

Variations

Customizing Ingredients

You can easily change this dish to fit your tastes. Adding proteins makes it heartier. Try adding cooked chicken or tofu for extra protein. These options pair well with the creamy cheese sauce.

You can also mix in other vegetables. Carrots, peas, or spinach can add color and nutrients. Just chop them small and add them when you add the broccoli. This way, they cook well and stay tender.

Dietary Modifications

If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free elbow macaroni. There are many brands available that work well. The flavors stay the same, and you won’t lose any taste.

For a vegan version, switch to vegan cheese and non-dairy milk. Almond, soy, or oat milk can work great. Many vegan cheeses melt well and taste good. Look for brands that you enjoy. This way, you can enjoy your One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Mac without dairy.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Mac fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place the leftovers in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps prevent bacteria growth. The dish will stay good for about three to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Use a freezer-safe container. This way, it can last up to three months. Remember to label your container with the date.

Reheating Instructions

When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. Start by placing the mac in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of milk to help keep it creamy. Stir it often to prevent sticking. Heat until warm, but avoid boiling. This keeps the cheese from becoming grainy. You can also use the microwave. Just add milk and cover it loosely. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This method ensures a smooth and creamy texture. Enjoy every bite!

FAQs

How long does One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Mac last in the fridge?

One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Mac lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. The pasta may absorb moisture over time, so stir before serving.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook it fully, then let it cool. Store it in the fridge. Reheat it when you are ready to eat. You may need to add a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

What can I serve with One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Mac?

This dish pairs well with a simple side salad. You can also add grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for extra nutrition. For something light, serve with garlic bread or crusty rolls. Enjoy the comfort of mac and cheese with fresh flavors!

In this blog post, we explored how to make a flavorful One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Mac. We covered essential ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfecting your dish. You can customize it to fit your taste and dietary needs. Leftovers store well and reheat easily, keeping that creamy texture. Enjoy this simple yet delicious meal that anyone can master in the kitchen. With a bit of creativity, you can make it your own. Happy cooking!

$- 8 oz elbow macaroni - 4 cups vegetable broth - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - ¼ cup cream cheese (optional for creaminess) - Chopped chives or parsley for garnish Gathering your ingredients is key to a smooth cooking process. You will need 8 oz of elbow macaroni, which forms the base of this dish. The pasta cooks in 4 cups of vegetable broth, giving it flavor. Next, grab 2 cups of broccoli florets. They add color and nutrition. For that cheesy goodness, you will need 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded. The cheese melts beautifully into the dish. You will also need 1 cup of milk, which can be dairy or non-dairy. This adds creaminess to your mac. To enhance the flavor, include 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. A pinch of smoked paprika (½ teaspoon) brings a lovely depth. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. For cooking, you’ll need 2 tablespoons of olive oil. If you want an extra creamy texture, consider adding ¼ cup of cream cheese. Finally, for garnish, chop some chives or parsley to top your dish. Having all these ingredients ready will make cooking easier and more fun. 1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. This step adds flavor to the dish. 2. Next, add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni. Toast it for 1-2 minutes. Stir often until it turns slightly golden. 3. Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. This broth brings rich flavor to the pasta. 4. Add 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine these seasonings. 5. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is al dente. 1. When the pasta is almost done, add 2 cups of broccoli florets. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This makes the broccoli tender and bright green. 2. Remove the pot from heat. Stir in 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. 3. If you want extra creaminess, stir in ¼ cup of cream cheese. 4. Taste your dish. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. 5. Serve immediately. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley for a fresh touch. Salting your water is key. It makes the pasta taste great. Add salt to the boiling broth, not just at the end. Taste the dish while you cook. This helps you catch any missing flavors. Adjust as needed to make it just right. For extra creaminess, add cream cheese. It makes the dish rich and smooth. Mix it in after cooking. The cheese will melt in and add depth. Try different cheese varieties for unique flavors. Sharp cheddar gives a bold taste. You can also use mozzarella for stretchiness. Blend cheeses for a fun twist. Each choice changes the dish in tasty ways. {{image_2}} You can easily change this dish to fit your tastes. Adding proteins makes it heartier. Try adding cooked chicken or tofu for extra protein. These options pair well with the creamy cheese sauce. You can also mix in other vegetables. Carrots, peas, or spinach can add color and nutrients. Just chop them small and add them when you add the broccoli. This way, they cook well and stay tender. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free elbow macaroni. There are many brands available that work well. The flavors stay the same, and you won't lose any taste. For a vegan version, switch to vegan cheese and non-dairy milk. Almond, soy, or oat milk can work great. Many vegan cheeses melt well and taste good. Look for brands that you enjoy. This way, you can enjoy your One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Mac without dairy. To keep your One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Mac fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place the leftovers in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps prevent bacteria growth. The dish will stay good for about three to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Use a freezer-safe container. This way, it can last up to three months. Remember to label your container with the date. When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. Start by placing the mac in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of milk to help keep it creamy. Stir it often to prevent sticking. Heat until warm, but avoid boiling. This keeps the cheese from becoming grainy. You can also use the microwave. Just add milk and cover it loosely. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This method ensures a smooth and creamy texture. Enjoy every bite! One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Mac lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. The pasta may absorb moisture over time, so stir before serving. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook it fully, then let it cool. Store it in the fridge. Reheat it when you are ready to eat. You may need to add a splash of milk to keep it creamy. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad. You can also add grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for extra nutrition. For something light, serve with garlic bread or crusty rolls. Enjoy the comfort of mac and cheese with fresh flavors! In this blog post, we explored how to make a flavorful One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Mac. We covered essential ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfecting your dish. You can customize it to fit your taste and dietary needs. Leftovers store well and reheat easily, keeping that creamy texture. Enjoy this simple yet delicious meal that anyone can master in the kitchen. With a bit of creativity, you can make it your own. Happy cooking!$