All in One Veggie Mac and Cheese

Get ready to redefine comfort food with this hearty and wholesome *All in One Veggie Mac and Cheese*! Combining creamy, cheesy goodness with a medley of vibrant vegetables like broccoli, carrot, zucchini, and peas, this recipe packs flavor and nutrition into one irresistible dish. Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni is tossed in a rich cheddar-Parmesan sauce seasoned with garlic powder and paprika, creating a cozy dinner that's both indulgent and balanced. With its one-pot design and family-friendly appeal, this quick and easy recipe—ready in just 40 minutes—makes cleanup a breeze. Ideal for busy weeknights, it's a satisfying way to sneak more veggies onto your plate without sacrificing flavor.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 small zucchini, diced
• 0.5 cup frozen peas
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 0.25 teaspoons paprika
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 4 cups water

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add 2 teaspoons of salt to the water.

Step 2

Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3

Stir in the broccoli florets, diced carrot, diced zucchini, and frozen peas. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the pasta and vegetables are tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 4

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to make a roux.

Step 5

Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens (about 3-4 minutes).

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan until melted and smooth.

Step 7

Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Step 8

Add the cooked macaroni and vegetables back into the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta and vegetables evenly in the sauce.

Step 9

Cook for 2-3 minutes over low heat to ensure everything is heated through.

Step 10

Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh herbs, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2355.2 grams (2355.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2616

Total Fat 135.80g	174%
Saturated Fat 83.70g	419%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.30g
Cholesterol 419mg	140%
Sodium 3615mg	157%
Total Carbohydrate 229.60g	83%
Dietary Fiber 17.40g	62%
Total Sugars 42.10g
Protein 130.20g	260%

Vitamin D 215IU	1074%
Calcium 2844mg	219%
Iron 11mg	62%
Potassium 1576mg	34%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.9%

Protein: 19.6%

Carbs: 34.5%