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