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Veggie Mac & Cheese

Creamy Veggie Mac & Cheese that Kids Can't Resist

This Veggie Mac & Cheese transforms a classic dish into a wholesome meal that's packed with nutritious vegetables.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta and Sauce
  • 8 oz whole wheat rotini use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version
  • 3 cups whole milk substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free version
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder fresh garlic can be used for a more robust taste
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder fresh onions are a potential substitute if sautéed before adding
  • 1/4 tsp ground mustard omit for a milder taste or use Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt sea salt can be used as a substitute
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper white pepper can be a milder alternative
For the Veggies
  • cauliflower florets substitute with broccoli for a similar effect
  • broccoli florets can replace with spinach if desired
  • 2-3 medium carrots substitute with zucchini for a different taste
  • 3/4 cup frozen peas fresh peas can be used if available
For the Cheesy Goodness
  • 6 oz Gouda cheese, shredded swap with mozzarella for a different melt quality
  • 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded mild cheddar can be used instead
  • 2 oz Parmesan cheese, shredded Pecorino Romano serves as a substitute
For the Crunchy Topping
  • 1-2 tbsp breadcrumbs Panko breadcrumbs work great for extra crunch
  • red pepper flakes omit if you prefer a milder dish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • medium stock pot
  • steamer basket
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by filling a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots to a steamer basket, and steam for 2-3 minutes until they are tender but still vibrant.
  2. In a medium stock pot, combine 3 cups of whole milk, 8 oz of whole wheat rotini, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper. Place it over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  3. Once your pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove the pot from the heat. Gradually add 6 oz of shredded Gouda, 4 oz of sharp cheddar, and 2 oz of Parmesan cheese to the pot.
  4. Now, gently fold in the steamed vegetables and 3/4 cup of frozen peas into the cheesy pasta.
  5. Scoop the creamy veggie mac and cheese into bowls, making sure everyone receives a generous helping. For a delightful crunch, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs on top of each serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 6gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This veggie mac & cheese is a delightfully creamy dish that will have your family loving their greens! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

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