Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: One Pot Veggie Mac and Cheese! There’s something so delightful about whipping up a creamy, cheesy dish all in one pot. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds! This recipe is as simple as it gets, perfect for busy weeknights or those cozy weekends when you just want to indulge. I love how versatile it is—you can toss in whatever veggies you have lying around. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked on this creamy goodness that feels like home in a bowl!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful One Pot Veggie Mac and Cheese. It’s super straightforward, and I bet you’ve got most of these ingredients in your kitchen already!
- 8 oz macaroni – any shape you love works great!
- 2 cups vegetable broth – this adds so much flavor, so don’t skimp!
- 1 cup milk – use whole milk for creaminess, or any milk you prefer.
- 2 cups shredded cheese – I like a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for that perfect melt.
- 1 cup mixed vegetables – think peas, carrots, bell peppers; whatever you have on hand!
- 1 tsp garlic powder – for that extra kick of flavor.
- 1 tsp onion powder – adds a lovely depth to the dish.
- Salt and pepper – to taste, of course!
How to Prepare One Pot Veggie Mac and Cheese Instructions
Let’s dive into the joy of making this One Pot Veggie Mac and Cheese! First, grab a large pot and combine the macaroni, vegetable broth, and milk. Bring it all to a boil over medium heat—this is where the magic starts! Once boiling, toss in your mixed vegetables, garlic powder, and onion powder. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook until the pasta is tender, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep things from sticking. The moment the pasta is perfectly cooked, it’s time to add in the shredded cheese. Stir it in until it melts into a creamy, dreamy sauce. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve it hot, and get ready for a delightful meal!
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Okay, here’s the breakdown! Start by pouring your uncooked macaroni into the pot with vegetable broth and milk. Bring it to a rolling boil—watch out, it can bubble up! When that happens, add in your colorful mixed vegetables along with the garlic and onion powders. Let everything simmer together. You’ll know your pasta is ready when it’s al dente, which means it should be tender but still have a slight bite. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes, but keep an eye on it! Once the pasta is cooked, stir in your shredded cheese slowly, letting it melt completely into that luscious sauce. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Now, you’re ready to serve up a bowl of comfort!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk nutrition! Each serving of this One Pot Veggie Mac and Cheese is estimated to pack about 350 calories, which is a nice balance of indulgence and satisfaction. You’ll get around 15g of protein from the cheese and pasta, making it a filling meal. It also contains about 15g of fat, with 8g being saturated. On the carb side, you’re looking at around 40g, and it has about 3g of fiber from those lovely veggies. Of course, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but you can feel good knowing you’re enjoying a hearty, veggie-filled dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze!
- Quick to prepare—dinner in just 25 minutes!
- Rich and creamy without the fuss of baking.
- Customizable with any veggies you’ve got on hand.
- Perfectly comforting and satisfying for all ages!
Tips for Success
Here are my top tips to ensure your One Pot Veggie Mac and Cheese turns out perfectly every time! First, don’t be afraid to experiment with your cheese—try adding some pepper jack for a spicy kick or a sprinkle of parmesan for extra flavor. If you want a creamier texture, a splash of heavy cream can work wonders! Also, keep an eye on the pasta while it simmers; stirring occasionally helps prevent sticking. And remember, you can use frozen veggies if that’s what you have—just toss them in straight from the bag! Enjoy the magic of simplicity!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
Let’s talk about how to make this One Pot Veggie Mac and Cheese truly yours! For the mixed vegetables, feel free to use whatever you have in your fridge—broccoli, spinach, or even corn would work beautifully. If you’re looking to pack in more nutrition, a handful of kale can add a nice touch! As for the cheese, I love a good cheddar and mozzarella combo, but you can swap in gouda or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re going vegan. Just make sure any substitutions melt well! Customize it to suit your taste and what you have on hand—it’s all about making it your own!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your One Pot Veggie Mac and Cheese experience, consider pairing it with a fresh side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. You can also serve it alongside some garlic bread for that extra crunch! A sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top adds a delightful kick, too!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your delicious One Pot Veggie Mac and Cheese, simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore that creamy texture. Enjoy!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
For more information on the nutritional benefits of vegetables, you can visit Healthline.
Print
One Pot Veggie Mac and Cheese: Creamy Comfort in 25 Minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and creamy one pot veggie mac and cheese.
Ingredients
- 8 oz macaroni
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, bell peppers)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine macaroni, vegetable broth, and milk.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Add mixed vegetables, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked.
- Stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use any veggies you have on hand.
- Adjust cheese quantity based on preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: One Pot Veggie Mac and Cheese