Description
Enjoy a comforting and wholesome dinner with this Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese. This plant-based recipe features tender elbow macaroni, vibrant broccoli florets, and a rich, smooth cheese sauce made from natural ingredients. Perfectly creamy and packed with nutrition, it offers a fresh twist on a classic favorite that will delight the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or lightly steamed)
Cheese Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based cheese (plant-based)
- 2 cups unsweetened plant milk
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (natural)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings and Variations
- Extra plant-based cheese (plant-based) for topping
- Vegan bacon bits (plant-based)
- Roasted red peppers
- Chili flakes or smoked paprika for spice
- Cooked chickpeas or grilled tofu cubes for protein boost
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta and Broccoli: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente. Add the broccoli florets to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking so they become tender yet remain vibrant green. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, whisk together unsweetened plant milk, plant-based cheese (plant-based), apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), mustard powder (natural), garlic powder (natural), onion powder (natural), salt, and pepper over medium heat. Stir continuously to melt the plant-based cheese smoothly and activate the natural gelling agent, resulting in a luscious, creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta, Broccoli, and Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and broccoli in a large mixing bowl or back into the pot. Gently stir to coat everything evenly, ensuring the broccoli stays intact and the pasta is fully covered with the creamy sauce.
- Serve or Bake (Optional): Serve the creamy broccoli mac and cheese immediately for a quick meal, or transfer it to a baking dish, top with extra plant-based cheese (plant-based), and broil for a few minutes until golden and bubbly for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Cook pasta properly to maintain a firm bite and avoid mushiness.
- Use fresh or freshly frozen broccoli for best color and crunch.
- Continuously whisk the sauce to thicken it evenly and prevent clumps.
- Adjust sauce thickness by adding more plant milk to loosen or cooking longer to thicken.
- Season gradually and taste as you go to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: plant-based mac and cheese, broccoli mac and cheese, creamy vegan pasta, dairy-free comfort food, plant-based cheese sauce
