Description
Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese combines comforting creamy plant-based cheese sauce with fresh broccoli florets and tender elbow macaroni for a wholesome and delicious meal. This recipe uses plant-based ingredients for a nutritious twist while maintaining a rich, velvety texture and vibrant flavor that suits families and weeknight dinners alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 1/2 cups plant-based milk
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just tender according to package directions. Add the broccoli florets during the last 2 minutes of cooking to soften them while retaining their vibrant color. Drain the pasta and broccoli and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes until it forms a smooth roux with a slightly nutty aroma. Gradually pour in plant-based milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture until the sauce thickens.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Lower the heat and stir in the plant-based cheese until fully melted and creamy. Mix in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), garlic powder, mustard powder, natural gelling agent, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Combine Pasta, Broccoli, and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked pasta and broccoli into the creamy cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated. Warm the mixture on low heat for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the mac and cheese to serving bowls or a baking dish if you prefer a crispy top. Enjoy your Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese fresh and luscious.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli for a better texture and bright green color compared to frozen.
- Cook the pasta al dente to avoid mushiness in the final dish.
- Add plant-based milk gradually while whisking to prevent lumps in the cheese sauce.
- Stir in the natural gelling agent well at the end to get a creamy yet firm sauce texture.
- Adjust salt and seasonings at the end to achieve perfect flavor balance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: broccoli, mac and cheese, plant-based cheese, creamy pasta, easy dinner, vegetable mac and cheese
