Description
Enjoy a comforting and rich Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese made with plant-based cheese and fresh ingredients. This recipe blends tender broccoli florets with a luscious, creamy sauce that perfectly coats elbow macaroni, delivering a wholesome, satisfying meal that is easy to prepare and loved by the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Sauce
- 2 tbsp plant-based butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup shredded plant-based cheese
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (natural)
- 1 tsp onion powder (natural)
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent (optional)
Optional Add-ins
- ½ cup smoked turkey bacon, crisped and chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta and broccoli: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente, about 7 minutes. In the last 2-3 minutes, add broccoli florets to the same pot to soften while retaining vibrant color. Drain well and set aside.
- Make the creamy cheese sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the plant-based butter. Whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste and cook for 2 minutes to remove raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in unsweetened almond milk to prevent lumps, cooking until the sauce thickens to a velvety consistency.
- Add flavors and cheese: Stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), garlic powder (natural), onion powder (natural), and ground black pepper. Slowly fold in the shredded plant-based cheese until fully melted and creamy. Optionally, incorporate natural gelling agent for enhanced sauce stability.
- Combine pasta, broccoli, and sauce: Add the drained macaroni and broccoli to the sauce, gently tossing to coat everything evenly, blending the broccoli’s freshness with cheesy richness.
- Optional smoky touch: If using smoked turkey bacon, crisp it in a separate pan until golden. Sprinkle on top or mix into the dish for a smoky, savory contrast.
Notes
- Cook pasta until just tender with a slight bite for ideal texture.
- Whisk sauce gradually when adding milk to avoid lumps and create smoothness.
- Use quality melting plant-based cheese for best creamy texture and flavor balance.
- Add broccoli at the end of cooking pasta to avoid mushiness.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with extra black pepper or vegetarian Worcestershire sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: creamy broccoli mac and cheese, plant-based mac and cheese, vegan comfort food, broccoli pasta, dairy-free mac and cheese
