Macaroni And Cheese With Broccoli
User Reviews
5
Macaroni And Cheese With Broccoli
Description
Macaroni And Cheese With Broccoli is a creamy pasta dish featuring elbow macaroni cooked directly in seasoned chicken broth alongside tender broccoli florets. The garlic powder, salt, and black pepper season the pot as the pasta simmers until nearly all liquid evaporates. After adding butter, milk, and cream, the pasta finishes cooking to al dente with a luscious texture. Grated cheddar cheese is stirred in to melt and form a rich, cheesy sauce binding the ingredients. The broccoli adds subtle bite and vegetal freshness that balances the creamy cheese base.
The dish relies on cooking the pasta in broth to infuse flavor, then enriching with dairy for a smooth consistency. The broccoli's inclusion provides color, nutrients, and a slight crunch that contrasts with the tender macaroni and velvety sauce. It offers a hearty, satisfying meal that can serve as a side or main dish.
For best results, shredding cheddar cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese ensures a creamier sauce, as commercial shreds often contain starch that inhibits melting. Garnishing with fresh parsley can add a touch of brightness and color.
Ingredients
- 4 cups elbow macaroni 8 ounces
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 teaspoons garlic powder 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups broccoli florets only no stems, chopped into bite sized pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 3 ½ cups cheddar cheese grated
Instructions
- In a large pot, add elbow macaroni, broth, broccoli, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine everything well
- Turn the stove to medium heat and bring the pot to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer until you have almost no liquid left. Stir occasionally so that the pasta doesn’t stick together.
- Add butter, milk, and cream, stir and continue cooking until pasta is al dente, about 5 minutes.
- Add cheese to the pot. Stir and cook until the cheese is melted, about 2 minutes, Eat and enjoy once the sauce has thickened. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Shred cheddar cheese fresh from a block to achieve a creamier sauce, as pre-shredded cheese contains starch that can prevent smooth melting.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 935 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 935kcal | 47% |
| Carbohydrates | 72g | 24% |
| Protein | 44g | 88% |
| Fat | 59g | 91% |
| Saturated Fat | 32g | 160% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 150mg | 50% |
| Sodium | 1384mg | 58% |
| Potassium | 217mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 17g | 68% |
| Sugar | 14g | 28% |
| Vitamin A | 1835IU | 37% |
| Vitamin C | 21mg | 23% |
| Calcium | 514mg | 51% |
| Iron | 12mg | 67% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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