Description
This One Pot Veggie Mac and Cheese recipe is a quick, creamy, and delicious meal that combines tender macaroni with mixed vegetables and a rich, cheesy sauce, all cooked in a single pot for easy cleanup. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it’s packed with flavor from garlic and onion powder and can be customized to your liking.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Liquid
- 8 oz macaroni
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
Vegetables
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, bell peppers)
Seasonings and Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, add the macaroni, vegetable broth, and milk. This mixture will be the base for cooking your pasta and creating the creamy sauce.
- Bring to Boil: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the liquid to a boil, which will begin cooking the macaroni.
- Add Vegetables and Spices: Once boiling, add the mixed vegetables along with the garlic powder and onion powder to infuse the dish with flavor.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture. Cook until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheese thoroughly until it melts and creates a creamy cheese sauce coating the pasta and vegetables.
- Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper according to your preference to enhance the flavors.
- Serve Hot: Spoon the mac and cheese into bowls and serve immediately for the best creamy texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use any combination of vegetables you prefer or have on hand; frozen mixed vegetables work well too.
- For a richer flavor, substitute whole milk or add a splash of cream.
- Use your favorite cheese blends such as sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda for different flavor profiles.
- Stir frequently when simmering to prevent the macaroni from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
