Cozy One Pot Veggie Mac And Cheese Recipe For Family Nights
Creamy, cheesy goodness meets ultimate convenience in this hearty one-pot veggie mac and cheese that will instantly warm your soul.
Packed with vibrant vegetables and rich, melted cheese, this recipe turns a classic comfort dish into a nutritious meal.
The magic happens when you combine tender pasta with a silky sauce that coats every single noodle perfectly.
Colorful vegetables add depth and nutrition to the traditional mac and cheese experience.
Each bite promises a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
The simplicity of preparing everything in a single pot means less cleanup and more time enjoying your delicious creation.
This mac and cheese is not just a meal—it’s a comforting embrace on a plate that brings everyone together.
All You Need For One Pot Veggie Mac And Cheese
For Pasta Base:For Vegetable Mix:For Cheese and Seasoning:Gear For One Pot Veggie Mac And Cheese
How To Make One Pot Veggie Mac And Cheese
Tips For Creamy One Pot Veggie Mac And Cheese
Serve One Pot Veggie Mac And Cheese Hot
Store One Pot Veggie Mac And Cheese Easily
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Calories: 300 kcal
Servings: 5
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Comforting One Pot Veggie Mac And Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 5 1x
Description
Quick and comforting one pot veggie mac and cheese delivers creamy comfort without complex cooking steps. Home cooks can easily prepare this nutritious meal with simple ingredients and minimal kitchen cleanup.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (473 ml) elbow macaroni
- 1 cup (236 ml) cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup (118 ml) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp butter (or olive oil, for creaminess)
- 2 cups (473 ml) low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup (236 ml) milk (dairy or unsweetened plant-based)
- 1 cup (236 ml) broccoli florets, chopped
- ½ cup (118 ml) carrots, shredded or finely diced
- ½ cup (118 ml) zucchini, shredded (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Liquid Base Creation: Merge macaroni, vegetable broth, and milk in a large pot, establishing a flavorful cooking medium for pasta and vegetables over medium heat.
- Vegetable Integration: Introduce broccoli florets, diced carrots, and sliced zucchini into the pot, distributing them evenly throughout the liquid while stirring periodically to promote uniform cooking.
- Cooking Progression: Monitor the mixture for pasta reaching al dente texture and liquid absorption, typically occurring within 8-10 minutes, with vegetables simultaneously transforming into tender morsels.
- Cheese Transformation: Reduce heat to low, then sprinkle shredded cheddar and Parmesan, incorporating softened butter, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to develop a luxurious, velvety sauce.
- Final Preparation: Continuously whisk ingredients to ensure smooth cheese melting, creating a cohesive coating for pasta and vegetables, then remove from heat and let rest momentarily to enhance sauce consistency.
- Serving Presentation: Plate the nutrient-rich, one-pot mac and cheese immediately, showcasing a harmonious blend of pasta, vibrant vegetables, and creamy cheese that promises both comfort and nutrition.
Notes
- Choose Fresh Vegetables: Select crisp, vibrant vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and zucchini to ensure maximum nutritional value and enhance the dish’s overall flavor profile.
- Control Liquid Absorption: Stir frequently and monitor liquid levels to prevent pasta from becoming mushy or sticking to the pot bottom, maintaining perfect al dente texture.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Remove pot from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent scorching, creating a smooth, creamy sauce that coats pasta evenly without breaking or becoming grainy.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Swap dairy cheese for nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese alternatives to make the recipe vegan-friendly, and use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-safe version.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Olivia Bennett
Co-Founder & Content Creator
Expertise
Nutritional Analysis, Dietary Accommodations, Food Writing and Blogging,
Education
University of Texas at Austin
Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY
Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.
Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.