If you are craving a comforting, wholesome, and oh-so-creamy meal without the hassle of multiple pots and endless cleanup, this One Pot Healthy Broccoli Mac and Cheese is going to become your new best friend. Imagine tender pasta mingling with delicate florets of broccoli all enveloped in a luscious, sharp cheddar sauce enriched by the tangy goodness of Greek yogurt. This recipe elevates traditional mac and cheese by packing it with nutrition and flavor, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that everyone will love. Simple, quick, and irresistibly delicious, this is one pot magic that checks every box.

One Pot Healthy Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for straightforward, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to add creaminess, tang, richness, or freshness, so don’t skip any!

2 cups whole milk: Provides a creamy base with a rich mouthfeel essential for that smooth sauce.
1 + 1/2 cups water or broth: Using broth adds an extra depth of savory flavor to the pasta as it cooks.
8 oz pasta of choice: Pick your favorite shape—the key is to use one that holds sauce well.
8-10 oz broccoli, finely chopped: Adds vibrant color, a nutritious punch, and a pleasant crunch.
2 cups shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that brings bold, melty cheesiness to the dish.
1/4 cup plain Greek-style yogurt: A clever twist that boosts creaminess while keeping it healthy with a subtle tang.
1 tbsp butter or ghee (optional): Adds richness and a silky finish to the sauce if you want an extra indulgent touch.

How to Make One Pot Healthy Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Bring the Liquid to a Boil

Start by combining the whole milk and water or broth in a large pot and heating it until it boils. This flavorful liquid base is where your pasta will cook, infusing it with creaminess and taste right from the start.

Step 2: Add Pasta and Simmer

Once boiling, add the pasta. Turn the heat down to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes. This slow simmer helps the pasta absorb all the delicious liquid while softening to the perfect bite without getting mushy.

Step 3: Stir in the Broccoli

After the pasta has cooked for 10 minutes, stir in the finely chopped broccoli. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still bright green, keeping that lovely contrast in both color and texture.

Step 4: Melt in Cheese and Yogurt

Take the pot off the heat and immediately stir in the cheddar cheese, Greek yogurt, and butter or ghee if using. The residual heat will melt the cheese, creating a gorgeously creamy sauce that clings to every piece of pasta and broccoli. The yogurt adds a subtle tang and lightens up the richness, making this One Pot Healthy Broccoli Mac and Cheese perfectly balanced.

How to Serve One Pot Healthy Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika on top for a little extra kick. If you love fresh herbs, a scattering of chopped chives or parsley brightens the dish both visually and in flavor.

Side Dishes

This mac and cheese shines on its own, but pairing it with a crisp garden salad or roasted cherry tomatoes adds freshness and a colorful variety to your plate. For heartier meals, grilled chicken or pan-seared fish complement the creamy flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this One Pot Healthy Broccoli Mac and Cheese in individual oven-safe ramekins topped with a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs and a few extra cheese shreds. Pop them under the broiler for a couple of minutes until golden and crispy on top—it’s a delightful twist your guests or family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together wonderfully overnight, so it often tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the One Pot Healthy Broccoli Mac and Cheese, let it cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that broccoli can become a bit softer after freezing, but it still tastes fantastic.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring midway to ensure the sauce warms evenly and stays creamy. You might need to add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce if it thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While extra sharp cheddar provides a bold, tangy flavor, mixing in mozzarella, gouda, or even pepper jack can create wonderful variations without compromising creaminess.

Is it okay to use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?

You can, but whole milk helps achieve that luscious creamy texture that makes this dish so comforting. If using low-fat milk, consider adding a tablespoon of butter or ghee to make up for some richness.

Can this recipe be made vegan?

With some swaps, yes. Use plant-based milk, vegan cheese alternatives, and a dairy-free yogurt substitute. Cooking times and consistency might vary slightly, so some experimentation may be needed.

How finely should I chop the broccoli?

Finely chopping helps the broccoli cook quickly and blend well with the pasta, creating a more uniform texture. However, if you prefer a chunkier bite, chop into slightly larger pieces.

Is it necessary to use Greek yogurt?

Greek yogurt adds creamy tang and a protein boost, but if you don’t have it on hand, sour cream or cream cheese can be used as alternatives to keep the sauce rich and silky.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for an easy, healthy, and utterly satisfying meal to whip up any night of the week, this One Pot Healthy Broccoli Mac and Cheese is your answer. With minimal ingredients, one pot to clean, and a taste that comforts like a warm hug, it truly is a winner. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it over and over again!

One Pot Healthy Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: Rafael
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This One Pot Healthy Broccoli Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting dish made with whole milk, sharp cheddar, and fresh broccoli. It’s a wholesome twist on the classic mac and cheese, packed with veggies and made in just one pot for easy cleanup. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal any day.

Ingredients

Scale

Liquids

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

Main Ingredients

8 oz pasta of choice
8–10 oz broccoli, finely chopped

Dairy & Fats

2 cups shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup plain Greek-style yogurt
1 tbsp butter or ghee (optional)

Instructions

Bring Liquids to Boil: In a large pot, combine the whole milk and water or broth and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. This forms the base for cooking your pasta and adding flavor.
Add Pasta and Simmer: Once boiling, add your pasta of choice into the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the pasta for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Cook Broccoli: Stir in the finely chopped broccoli and continue to cook for 2-3 more minutes, until both the pasta and broccoli are tender and cooked to your desired texture.
Add Cheese and Finish: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese, Greek yogurt, and optional butter or ghee until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Serve immediately and enjoy your healthy mac and cheese!

Notes

Using broth instead of water enhances the flavor of the dish.
Choose whole grain or gluten-free pasta to cater to dietary preferences.
For a creamier texture, ensure the cheese is shredded finely so it melts quickly.
Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a slight tang while boosting protein content.
Butter or ghee is optional but adds richness to the final dish.
Leftovers can be stored 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 Course
Method: One Pot Cooking
Cuisine: American