The Blue Box and Broccoli

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with "The Blue Box and Broccoli," a quick and comforting recipe that combines creamy boxed macaroni and cheese with the wholesome addition of fresh broccoli. In just 25 minutes, this easy-to-make dish serves up a delightful balance of cheesy richness and vibrant green florets, all cooked together in one pot to save on prep and cleanup time. With a buttery cheese sauce infused with a touch of Parmesan (optional for an extra flavor boost), and seasoned simply with salt and black pepper, this recipe is perfect for busy days when you need a satisfying, family-friendly meal. Ideal for macaroni and cheese lovers who want a nutritious twist, this dish pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or stands alone as a hearty, veggie-packed entrée.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 1 package boxed macaroni and cheese
• 2 cups broccoli
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Fill a medium-sized pot with water and bring to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.

Step 2

While the water heats up, rinse and chop the broccoli into small florets.

Step 3

Once the water is boiling, add the macaroni noodles from the boxed macaroni and cheese. Cook according to the package instructions, usually 7-8 minutes.

Step 4

When there are 4 minutes remaining for the pasta, add the broccoli florets directly into the boiling water with the pasta. This will cook the broccoli alongside the macaroni.

Step 5

Drain the cooked macaroni and broccoli in a colander and set aside.

Step 6

Return the pot to the stove over low heat. Add the butter and milk specified by the boxed macaroni instructions.

Step 7

Add the cheese powder from the boxed macaroni and whisk to create a smooth cheese sauce.

Step 8

Return the drained macaroni and broccoli to the pot. Stir well to coat everything evenly in the cheese sauce.

Step 9

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.

Step 10

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your elevated 'Blue Box and Broccoli'!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	595.9 grams (595.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1116

Total Fat 47.90g	61%
Saturated Fat 22.40g	112%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.80g
Cholesterol 106mg	35%
Sodium 3643mg	158%
Total Carbohydrate 151.70g	55%
Dietary Fiber 13.60g	49%
Total Sugars 24.00g
Protein 39.60g	79%

Vitamin D 24IU	120%
Calcium 751mg	58%
Iron 7mg	37%
Potassium 1498mg	32%

*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: 36.0%

Protein: 13.2%

Carbs: 50.7%