Veg Mac and Cheese Recipe: Easy, Creamy, and Delicious

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food beloved by many, but when you add vibrant vegetables to the mix, it transforms this familiar dish into a wholesome, nutritious meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner or a cozy weeknight treat, this veg mac and cheese recipe is packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and colorful, tender vegetables that add texture and flavor.

It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for sneaking extra veggies into your diet without compromising on taste.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through how to make a luscious cheese sauce, cook pasta to perfection, and incorporate a medley of vegetables that complement the richness of the cheese. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any leftover veggies in your fridge!

So, grab your apron and get ready for a delicious, comforting meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This veg mac and cheese recipe is a wonderful twist on the traditional favorite. It offers:

• Rich, creamy texture that melts in your mouth, thanks to the homemade cheese sauce.
• Healthy boost from the fresh vegetables, adding fiber, vitamins, and a delightful crunch.
• Quick and easy preparation that fits perfectly into busy weeknight schedules.
• Customizable ingredients so you can swap veggies based on what you have on hand.
• Kid-friendly flavors that even picky eaters will enjoy.

Not to mention, it’s a one-pot dish that minimizes cleanup, making it a perfect go-to recipe when you want comfort food without the hassle!

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any small pasta shape)
• 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 cup cauliflower florets, chopped
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a subtle smoky flavor)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta and steaming vegetables
• Medium saucepan for cheese sauce
• Whisk
• Colander or strainer
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Baking dish (optional, if you want to bake the mac and cheese)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Steam the vegetables: While the pasta cooks, steam the broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots until just tender, about 5 minutes. Add the frozen peas in the last minute of steaming. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. The mixture should become bubbly and slightly golden.
4. Add the milk: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Incorporate cheese and seasonings: Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine pasta, veggies, and cheese sauce: Add the cooked pasta and steamed vegetables to the cheese sauce. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
7. Optional baking step: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and bake uncovered for 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Serve warm: Spoon the veg mac and cheese onto plates and enjoy immediately. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread.

Tips & Variations

For creamier sauce, use whole milk or add a splash of heavy cream. For a vegan twist, substitute dairy cheese with plant-based cheese and use a non-dairy milk alternative.

• Vegetable swaps: Try adding bell peppers, spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for different flavors and textures.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or cornstarch.
• Extra protein: Stir in cooked chickpeas or white beans for a boost of protein and fiber.
• Make ahead: Prepare the mac and cheese up to step 6, then refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding 5-10 minutes to baking time if cold from the fridge.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This veg mac and cheese is a complete meal on its own but pairs beautifully with a few side options for a more balanced plate. Try serving it alongside a crisp Swiss chard salad or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad.

Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls add a lovely touch to soak up any extra cheese sauce.

For a heartier meal, complement the dish with a light vegetable soup like the Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe. And if you want to explore more vegetable-packed dishes, check out the Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners as a delicious alternative pasta option.

Conclusion

This veg mac and cheese recipe is the perfect blend of comfort and nutrition, bringing together creamy cheese with the freshness of vegetables to create a dish that is both satisfying and wholesome. It’s easy enough for everyday meals yet special enough to serve guests or family gatherings.

By incorporating a variety of vegetables, you not only enhance the flavor but also boost the nutritional value, making it a smarter choice for your loved ones.

Whether you bake it for a golden crust or enjoy it straight from the stove, this recipe is a dependable crowd-pleaser. The versatility allows you to customize it to your preferences and dietary needs, making it a staple in your recipe collection.

For more inspiring vegetable recipes that celebrate fresh, vibrant flavors, be sure to explore our extensive collection linked throughout this post. Happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Veg Mac and Cheese”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A creamy and comforting mac and cheese loaded with fresh vegetables. Perfect for a quick and healthy family meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups elbow macaroni”, “1 cup broccoli florets”, “1 cup diced carrots”, “1 cup shredded cheddar cheese”, “2 cups milk”, “2 tablespoons butter”, “2 tablespoons all-purpose flour”, “1/2 teaspoon garlic powder”, “1/2 teaspoon onion powder”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Steam broccoli and carrots until tender, about 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until sauce thickens.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine cooked macaroni, steamed vegetables, and cheese sauce.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Transfer to a baking dish and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake at 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C) for 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “450 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “22 g”, “fatContent”: “18 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “50 g”}}