Are you craving a mouthwatering dish that combines the creamy goodness of mac and cheese with the nutritious punch of broccoli? Look no further! This Baked Large Macaroni with Broccoli is about to become your new favorite comfort food that will have everyone at the dinner table begging for seconds. Imagine a golden, bubbling casserole packed with perfectly cooked pasta, tender broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce that's guaranteed to make your taste buds dance with joy!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz large macaroni
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the large macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- During the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking, add broccoli florets to the same pot to blanch them alongside the pasta.
- Drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander, shaking to remove excess water. Return the mixture to the pot.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper to create a creamy sauce.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and broccoli, gently stirring to coat evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs over the top of the pasta.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set.
Tips
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Don't overcook your macaroni! Aim for that perfect al dente texture to prevent mushy pasta in your final dish.
- Blanch Broccoli Carefully: Adding broccoli to the pasta water in the last few minutes ensures it's tender but still retains its bright green color and nutritional value.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly shredded cheddar for the best melting quality and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce's smoothness.
- Breadcrumb Tip: For extra crunch, try mixing the breadcrumbs with a little melted butter before sprinkling on top.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for 5 minutes after baking helps it set and makes serving much easier.
- Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated, then baked when ready to serve - perfect for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 490kcal
Carbohydrates: 51g
Protein: g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 65mg
