
Kitchen notes · a little help before you start
Creamy Broccoli Mac & Cheese
Creamy Broccoli Mac & Cheese is made with broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and elbow macaroni.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Original yield
- Serves 4
- Ingredients
- 12 listed
Make it part of your week
Recipe categories & planning details
- Meal type
- Dinner
- Cuisine
- American
- Preparation & total time
- Prep: 15 minutes or less
A few quick notes
1. Check the package directions
Use the package directions where the method calls for them.
2. Prepare the pan
Follow the pan-heating step before adding its ingredients.
3. Prepare the sauce mixture
Mix the sauce at its preparation step so it is ready when needed.
Get to know the ingredients
elbow macaroni
In the method: Heat a heavy bottom pan and cook the macaroni in salted boiling water according to the package instruction (little less than 1 minute).
broccoli (cut into small florets)
In the method: Meanwhile, in a separate pan, steam the broccoli florets for 5 minutes and set aside.
whole milk
In the method: Keep the stove on a medium-low flame and add in the whole milk and half and half milk slowly.
Let’s make it
Choose your servings, then check things off as you go.
Original recipe: Serves 4. Original quantities shown.
Check ingredients as you prepare them. These checks stay on this page.
Ingredient note
Source: 8 oz elbow macaroniIngredient note
Source: 2 cups broccoli (cut into small florets)Ingredient note
Source: 2 tbsp unsalted butterIngredient note
Source: 3 tbsp all-purpose flourIngredient note
Source: 2 cups whole milkIngredient note
Source: 1 cup half and half milkIngredient note
Source: 1/2 tsp dry mustard powderIngredient note
Source: 1 tsp garlic powderIngredient note
Source: 1 tsp ground black pepperIngredient note
Source: 1/2 tsp paprikaIngredient note
Source: 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese (grated)Ingredient note
Source seasoning: Salt to taste
How to make it
0 of 7 steps completeMake room for Creamy Broccoli Mac & Cheese
Review ingredients in your pantry before anything is added. Meal plans use your household size; grocery-only additions use the servings selected above.
The last little job
Finish as directed
Transfer the broccoli mac and cheese to a bowl and serve hot.
A little more help as you go
Prepare the whisked mixture
Keep the whisking step in its stated place in the preparation.
Prepare for steaming
Follow the steaming setup and texture checks described.
A few questions you might have
What should I prepare first?
Start with this step: Heat a heavy bottom pan and cook the macaroni in salted boiling water according to the package instruction (little less than 1 minute).
Which preparation step should I plan for?
Use the package directions where the method calls for them.
What check should I look for as it cooks?
Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce turns smooth and thick enough to coat the back of the spatula.
Is there another preparation step to plan for?
Keep the whisking step in its stated place in the preparation.
Storage & reheating safety
For cooked, perishable leftovers, refrigerate within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F), using shallow containers for prompt cooling. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below, use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days, and reheat hot leftovers to 165°F, checked with a food thermometer. Follow any shorter package limit.
These are general safety limits, not a tested storage or freezing recommendation for this particular dish. USDA leftovers guidance · Safe cooking temperatures
Recipe source: gimmedelicious.com. Ingredient names and quantities may be adapted for the pantry.
Preparation notes follow the recipe shown here.

