Broccoli Cheddar Mac & Cheese

This Broccoli Cheddar Mac & Cheese is the ultimate cozy fall comfort food. Tender pasta and crisp-tender broccoli are coated in a silky, cheddar-loaded béchamel sauce enriched with garlic and mozzarella. The sharpness of the cheddar is balanced by creamy mozzarella, and a touch of mustard powder adds subtle warmth and complexity. Optionally, you can bake it to perfection for a golden top. Whether served as a main dish or a side, it’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll crave again and again.

Author: These Carbs Don't Count

Category: Pasta

Cuisine: American

Difficulty: MEDIUM

Prep. Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 3 bowls

Calories: 677 kcal per serving

Ingredients

½ pound - pasta
4 ounce - broccoli florets
4 tablespoon - unsalted butter
3 cloves - garlic
4 tablespoon - all-purpose flour
2 cup - whole milk
½ teaspoon - salt
¼ teaspoon - black pepper
½ teaspoon - garlic powder
½ teaspoon - onion powder
¼ teaspoon - mustard powder
2 cup - cheddar cheese
¾ cup - mozzarella cheese
½ cup - reserved pasta water

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until almost al dente.
A few minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water. Cook together until pasta is al dente and broccoli is tender.
Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Add flour and stir to form a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until sauce thickens.
Season the sauce with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder.
Stir in cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup mozzarella until melted and smooth.
Add cooked pasta and broccoli to the sauce along with a splash of pasta water. Stir until the sauce is creamy and evenly coats the pasta.
Mix in the remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella for extra cheesiness. Optional: transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until golden on top.