Veggie Lovers Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist—Veggie Lovers Macaroni and Cheese. This vibrant, veggie-packed dish takes classic mac and cheese to the next level, combining tender macaroni pasta with sautéed broccoli, carrots, and zucchini for a burst of flavor and nutrition. Creamy, homemade cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and Parmesan blankets every bite, while hints of garlic and paprika add a subtle kick. Perfectly baked to golden, bubbly perfection, this crowd-pleasing casserole is a wholesome meal that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this easy, 40-minute recipe serves up cheesy goodness with a veggie-boosted twist.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 oz macaroni pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup carrot, diced
• 1 cup zucchini, diced
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Cook the macaroni pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the broccoli, carrots, and zucchini for 5-7 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture starts to thicken.

Step 5

Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Add the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce.

Step 7

Combine the cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Mix well to coat the pasta and vegetables evenly.

Step 8

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 9

Optional: Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese on top for a crusty topping.

Step 10

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2321.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4632.9

Total Fat 232.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 131.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.2g
Cholesterol 629.9mg	0%
Sodium 6386.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 444.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.5g	0%
Total Sugars 63.8g
Protein 214.2g	0%

Vitamin D 394.1IU	0%
Calcium 4496.6mg	0%
Iron 14.5mg	0%
Potassium 3830.7mg	0%

*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: 44.2%

Protein: 18.1%

Carbs: 37.7%