Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese

This Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, loaded with broccoli, and ready in about 30 minutes. It’s a lighter take on classic macaroni and cheese. The best part? It actually stays creamy after baking. Don’t skip the breadcrumb topping, it’s perfectly golden and crispy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love a good cozy pasta bake, and this one is a weeknight regular for me. I tested it a few times to get the right balance of pasta, broccoli, and cheese sauce so it bakes up creamy, not dry.

Think broccoli cheddar soup, but in pasta form. Same cozy, cheesy vibes, just a little heartier and with that golden breadcrumb topping.

A few reasons I love this one:

• A lighter, creamy comfort food that doesn’t feel heavy
• Loaded with broccoli
• Simple ingredients, easy to make
• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Great as a main dish or a side
• Perfect for weeknights, holidays, or meal prep lunches

Love cozy pasta bakes? Try my Vegetable Baked Ziti or check out all my comfort food recipes.

Ingredients

• Macaroni: Any short pasta shape works here. Penne, rotini, or shells are all great options.
• Broccoli: Chop it small, so you get a little in every bite. Pre-chopped or frozen broccoli works too, though I would still chop it a little smaller.
• Unsalted Butter: I almost always cook with unsalted butter. This is the base with the flour to thicken the cheese sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: To help thicken the cheese sauce.
• Vegetable Broth: I like to use low sodium. Chicken broth works too.
• Milk: Combined with the broth, it’s what keeps the sauce creamy without being too heavy.
• Garlic Powder: Just a pinch for a little savory flavor.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: I always grate it myself for the best melt, but pre-shredded works in a pinch. Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor, though mild cheddar works too.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a little extra flavor to both the sauce and the topping.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: Lighter and crispier than regular bread crumbs. Don’t skip them.
• Olive Oil: Helps the topping get golden and crispy. Melted butter works too.

*The full ingredient list with amounts is in the recipe card below.

How to Make Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the pasta until al dente. When there are 2 minutes left, add the broccoli to the pot. Drain and set aside.
3. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the broth and milk, making sure the flour is fully incorporated and there are no lumps. Season with the garlic powder. Heat to a simmer for a few minutes, whisking often, until slightly thickened. Remove the skillet from the heat.
4. Stir in the shredded cheeses until melted. Season with sea salt and pepper, to taste. 
5. Gently stir the cooked macaroni and broccoli into the sauce until they’re fully coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. The cheese sauce will look loose when mixing it with the pasta and broccoli. It will thicken up as it bakes.

6. Stir the bread crumbs, parmesan, olive oil, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl. Evenly sprinkle them over the macaroni and broccoli.
7. Bake the broccoli macaroni and cheese until the topping is golden and the sauce is bubbling.
8. Serve immediately for the creamiest texture and enjoy!

Variations

This recipe is super flexible, so you can easily adjust it based on what you have or what you’re craving.

• Change the topping: Swap the panko for crushed Ritz crackers or corn flakes for a different texture.
• Add more veggies: Shredded carrots (for that broccoli cheddar soup vibe), spinach, zucchini, or peas all work well.
• Swap the pasta: Use any short pasta like shells, rotini, or penne. Whole wheat works great here too.
• Mix up the cheese: Try a blend of cheddar with Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a slightly creamier, more melty sauce.
• Add a protein: Stir in cooked sausage, shredded chicken, or white beans to turn it into a more filling main dish.
• Boost the flavor: Add a small spoonful of Dijon mustard or a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth.

Serving Suggestions

Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese works as both a main dish or a side dish, depending on how you serve it. For an easy weeknight dinner, I like to pair it with a simple green salad or an arugula salad with a light vinaigrette.

It’s also great for the holidays. Bring it to Friendsgiving or serve it as a side dish at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can make the cheese sauce a day or two ahead of time and keep it covered in the fridge. The pasta and broccoli can also be cooked and stored separately.

To Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the leftovers in a 350ºF oven with a splash of milk until heated through and the top is crisp again.

More Vegetable Loaded Pasta Recipes

• Creamy Vegetable Pasta
• Lemon Zucchini Pasta
• Spinach Mushroom Pasta
• Spinach Lasagna Rolls
• Broccoli Cheddar Orzo

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