If you’re craving a comforting, creamy, and nourishing meal that comes together effortlessly, I’ve got just the thing for you: the One Pot Healthy Broccoli Mac and Cheese. This recipe transforms classic mac and cheese into a wholesome powerhouse by incorporating fresh broccoli and Greek yogurt for a boost of vitamins and protein. Plus, cooking everything in one pot means less mess and more time to savor every cheesy, vibrant bite. Whether you’re feeding the family or just treating yourself, this dish promises all the gooey goodness and a delightful pop of green goodness that makes it truly unforgettable.

One Pot Healthy Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is all it takes to create this delicious dish. Each one plays a vital role in bringing together the perfect balance of creamy texture, sharp flavor, and fresh crunch that makes the One Pot Healthy Broccoli Mac and Cheese so special.

Whole milk: The creamy base that ensures every bite is rich and silky smooth.

Water or broth: Using broth adds extra depth and savory notes to your dish.
Pasta of choice: Pick your favorite shape to soak up all those luscious flavors.

Broccoli, finely chopped: Adds vibrant color, fiber, and a satisfying vegetable crunch.
Extra sharp cheddar cheese: Provides the classic cheesy tang and melts beautifully.

Plain Greek-style yogurt: Boosts creaminess and adds a subtle tang while keeping it healthy.
Butter or ghee (optional): Adds richness and helps meld all the flavors together.

How to Make One Pot Healthy Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Simmer the Pasta

Start by bringing the whole milk and water or broth to a boil in your pot. Once bubbling, add your pasta and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. This gradual cooking infuses the pasta with the creamy milk, making it tender and flavorful without the need to drain later. Let it cook for about 10 minutes while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Incorporate the Broccoli

Now stir in your finely chopped broccoli. This last few minutes of cooking keeps the florets tender yet crisp, locking in their bright green hue and nutrients. Cooking the broccoli with the pasta allows the flavors to marry beautifully, so don’t skip this step!

Step 3: Stir in Cheese and Yogurt

Once the pasta and broccoli reach the perfect texture, remove the pot from heat. Quickly mix in the shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese and the plain Greek yogurt, stirring until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce. If you’re feeling indulgent, add a tablespoon of butter or ghee here for extra silkiness. This step transforms the simple ingredients into that dreamy mac and cheese texture you crave.

How to Serve One Pot Healthy Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives on top to add a pop of color and fresh aroma. A dash of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes can lend a subtle kick and visual appeal that excites the senses before the very first bite.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp salads, roasted veggies, or even a light protein like grilled chicken or baked tofu. Their contrasting textures and flavors balance the creamy richness of the mac and cheese perfectly, turning it into a full, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your One Pot Healthy Broccoli Mac and Cheese in individual cast-iron skillets or mini ramekins for a rustic, charming touch. You can even sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs on top and briefly broil it to add a crunchy crust. It’s a fun twist that adds another layer of comforting texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Since this recipe uses milk and cheese, keeping it chilled properly is key to maintaining freshness and taste. When you’re ready to eat, give it a good stir to recombine the sauce.

Freezing

While the creamy texture is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions if necessary. Transfer to freezer-safe containers and store for up to 1 month. To prevent textural changes, thaw slowly overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat your One Pot Healthy Broccoli Mac and Cheese on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Adding a splash of milk or broth helps revive its creamy consistency. Microwave reheating works too, but stirring halfway through is essential to avoid hot spots.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While extra sharp cheddar is traditional and brings a bold flavor, feel free to experiment with gouda, mozzarella, or a blend to suit your taste preferences and create new flavor profiles.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Yes! The creamy texture and mild flavors generally appeal to children, and the hidden broccoli is a sneaky way to get some veggies into their meals without fuss.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can swap the milk for a plant-based alternative and use vegan cheese substitutes. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will change, but it will still be tasty and comforting.

How finely should the broccoli be chopped?

Finely chopping the broccoli helps it cook quickly and blend seamlessly with the pasta, ensuring every bite has a little green goodness without overpowering the dish.

What pasta shape works best?

Short pasta like elbow macaroni or shells work wonderfully here because they hold the cheese sauce well, but you can really use whatever you like most or have on hand.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a delicious, nutritious twist on a classic comfort meal, you simply must try this One Pot Healthy Broccoli Mac and Cheese. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, made even better with the goodness of wholesome ingredients and minimal cleanup. I can’t wait for you to enjoy it as much as I do!

One Pot Healthy Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 23 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

This One Pot Healthy Broccoli Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting dish made healthier with the addition of fresh broccoli and Greek yogurt. It combines tender pasta with sharp cheddar cheese, all cooked in one pot for convenience and minimal cleanup. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal that is both satisfying and nourishing.

Ingredients

Scale

Liquids

2 cups whole milk
1 1/2 cups water or broth (preferably broth for extra flavor)

Main Ingredients

8 oz pasta of choice

8–10 oz broccoli, finely chopped

Dairy and Fats

2 cups shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup plain Greek-style yogurt

1 tbsp butter or ghee (optional)

Instructions

Boil the liquids and add pasta: In a large pot, bring the whole milk and water or broth to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and reduce the heat to a simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add broccoli and continue cooking: Stir in the finely chopped broccoli and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until both the pasta and broccoli are tender and cooked to your liking.

Incorporate cheese, yogurt, and butter: Remove the pot from heat and quickly stir in the shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese, Greek yogurt, and butter or ghee if using. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Serve warm: Dish out the mac and cheese immediately for the best creamy texture and enjoy this comforting, healthy meal.

Notes

Using broth instead of water adds more depth of flavor to the dish.

Finely chopping the broccoli ensures it cooks evenly with the pasta.
Greek yogurt adds creaminess while boosting protein and reducing fat compared to heavy cream.
Butter or ghee is optional but enhances richness.

Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten free if needed.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of milk.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: One Pot Cooking

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350

Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 15g

Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g

Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 20g

Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: broccoli mac and cheese, healthy mac and cheese, one pot pasta, broccoli pasta dish, quick mac and cheese recipe, healthy comfort food