One Pot Veggie Mac and Cheese Recipe

One Pot Veggie Mac and Cheese is a comfort food staple with a healthy twist. Combining creamy cheese sauce with wholesome veggies and tender pasta, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or when you want to enjoy a nutritious yet indulgent dish without a ton of cleanup. The beauty of this recipe is that you cook everything in one pot, making both the cooking process and cleanup a breeze.

Whether you’re a fan of traditional mac and cheese or are looking for a veggie-packed version, this recipe will become a go-to favorite!

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Veggies

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.

Once the vegetables are softened, add in the broccoli florets and frozen peas (if using). Stir well and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender.

Next, add the elbow macaroni (or your chosen pasta) to the pot along with 3 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the pasta in the water, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Make sure the pasta is almost cooked through before moving to the next step. You can add a little more water if needed to ensure the pasta cooks evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

Once the pasta is cooked, add the butter to the pot and let it melt. Sprinkle the flour over the pasta and vegetables, and stir constantly for about 1 minute. This will form a roux and thicken the sauce.

Slowly pour in the milk while stirring to ensure there are no lumps. Continue cooking and stirring for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.

Add the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir constantly until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as necessary. If the sauce feels too thick, you can add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Once the sauce is smooth and creamy, give everything a good stir to combine. Taste the mac and cheese and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. If you prefer a spicier version, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.

Once combined, allow the mac and cheese to cook for another 2-3 minutes, just to heat everything through. Your One Pot Veggie Mac and Cheese is ready to serve!

Step 4: Serve

Serve your One Pot Veggie Mac and Cheese immediately while it’s hot. You can garnish it with extra cheese, fresh herbs, or even a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for crunch. Pair it with a side salad for a well-rounded meal.

Tips for Success:

1. Veggie Variety: Feel free to mix up the veggies according to what you have on hand. Zucchini, spinach, cauliflower, or even tomatoes are great additions to this dish. If you prefer to use frozen veggies, they’ll work just as well.
2. Customizing the Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides a rich, tangy flavor, but you can experiment with other types of cheese, such as mozzarella, Gouda, or Monterey Jack. Mixing different cheeses can add complexity to the dish.
3. Make It Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the pasta with a gluten-free variety and use gluten-free flour for the roux. The recipe will still be just as creamy and comforting.
4. Adding Protein: If you want to make this dish a more complete meal, consider adding cooked chicken, bacon, or even chickpeas for extra protein. Tofu or tempeh would work well in a vegetarian version.
5. Creamier Sauce: If you prefer an extra creamy sauce, add cream cheese or Greek yogurt to the sauce. This will make the mac and cheese even richer and smoother.
6. Adjust Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add a bit more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. For a thicker sauce, you can simmer it for a little longer.

Variations:

1. Spicy Veggie Mac and Cheese: Add some jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to give your mac and cheese a spicy kick. This works especially well if you like your dishes with some heat.
2. Baked Veggie Mac and Cheese: If you like your mac and cheese with a crispy, golden top, you can transfer the cooked dish to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
3. Pesto Veggie Mac and Cheese: Stir in some basil pesto for a fresh, herby twist on this classic dish. The pesto adds a burst of flavor and works beautifully with the creamy cheese sauce.
4. Vegan Veggie Mac and Cheese: To make a dairy-free version, use vegan cheese (such as cashew cheese or dairy-free shredded cheese) and replace the butter and milk with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk. You can also make the cheese sauce with soaked cashews for a creamy, dairy-free option.
5. Herb-Crusted Veggie Mac and Cheese: For added texture and flavor, top the mac and cheese with herbed breadcrumbs (mix breadcrumbs with butter, garlic, and herbs) before baking it. This creates a delicious contrast between the creamy interior and crispy topping.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish up to the point where you add the cheese sauce. Allow the pasta and veggies to cool and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat and add the cheese sauce.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make the mac and cheese dairy-free, use plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk) and vegan cheese. There are many dairy-free cheese options available, including shredded cheddar or a cashew-based cheese sauce.

Can I add meat to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken, bacon, sausage, or any protein of your choice to make the dish more substantial. Stir the protein into the pot along with the pasta and veggies.

What other veggies can I add to this recipe?
Feel free to add or swap out veggies according to what you have available. Great options include spinach, zucchini, cauliflower, kale, or even sun-dried tomatoes. The more colorful, the better!

Conclusion:

One Pot Veggie Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining the creamy richness of cheese with healthy, nutrient-packed vegetables in a one-pot wonder. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the family, this recipe is quick, easy, and customizable to suit all tastes and dietary preferences. Try it once, and it may become your go-to dinner!

Yield: 4

One Pot Veggie Mac and Cheese Recipe

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One Pot Veggie Mac and Cheese is a comfort food staple with a healthy twist. Combining creamy cheese sauce with wholesome veggies and tender pasta, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or when you want to enjoy a nutritious yet indulgent dish without a ton of cleanup. The beauty of this recipe is that you cook everything in one pot, making both the cooking process and cleanup a breeze.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup carrots, shredded or finely chopped
• 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped small
• 2 1/2 cups milk (whole, 2%, or a non-dairy alternative)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
2. Add the shredded carrots and chopped broccoli, and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The veggies should start to soften.
3. Pour in the milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the macaroni and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and mustard powder (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Notes

• You can use any veggies you like! Try adding peas, spinach, or bell peppers for variety.
• For extra creaminess, add a little cream cheese or heavy cream along with the milk.
• You can also substitute the pasta with a gluten-free variety if needed.