Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese
This easy, homemade, baked mac and cheese recipe adds broccoli to the mix, a great way to sneak veggies into a kid's favorite dish! It's also lightened up, so fewer calories than traditional mac and cheese.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz high fiber elbows like Ronzoni Smart Taste
- 1.5 tbsp butter
- 0.25 cup minced onion
- 0.25 cup flour
- 2 cups skim milk
- 1 cup fat free chicken broth vegetarians use vegetable broth
- 8 oz reduced-fat sharp cheddar about 2 cups shredded (Cabot 50%)
- salt and fresh pepper to taste
- 12 oz fresh broccoli florets about 3 cups (I used pre-cut bag)
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan
- 0.25 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- cooking spray
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook pasta and broccoli together in a large pot of salted water, according to package directions for al dente (or slightly undercook by 2 minutes). Spray a baking dish with cooking spray.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large, heavy skillet, melt butter. Add onion and cook over low heat about 2 minutes. Add flour and cook another minute, or until the flour is golden and well combined. Add milk and chicken broth and whisk, raising heat to medium-high until it comes to a boil; cook about 5 minutes or until the sauce becomes smooth and thick. Season with salt and pepper.
- Once the sauce is thick, remove from heat, add cheese and mix well until cheese is melted. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked macaroni and broccoli and mix well. Pour into the prepared baking dish. Top with grated parmesan and breadcrumbs. Lightly spray the top with cooking spray.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, then broil for a few minutes to get the breadcrumbs golden brown.
Notes
This recipe is a lighter take on classic mac and cheese, perfect for a family dinner or a comforting side dish. Feel free to adjust seasonings and cheese types to your preference.
Nutrition
Serving: 200gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 120gProtein: 120gFat: 120gSaturated Fat: 120gPolyunsaturated Fat: 120gMonounsaturated Fat: 120gTrans Fat: 120gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 120gSugar: 120gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 120mg
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