Macaroni and cheese in a bowl with a wooden spoon.

Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

Chef Peter Goatley

Ingredients 

  • 1 package Harvesting Good Broccoli
  • 5 ounces Cheddar Cheese Or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 package Macaroni Noodles 16 ounces; whole wheat
  • cups Milk Nonfat
  • Tablespoons Butter Unsalted
  • 2 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
  • 4 Tablespoons Cream Cheese Light

Equipment

  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Box Grater
  • Colander
  • Large Pot
  • Microwave-Safe Bowl
  • Small Pot with Lid

Instructions

  • Rinse and chop broccoli.
  • Grate cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese.
  • In a microwave-safe bowl, add broccoli and just enough water to cover halfway. Heat in microwave until bright green and tender, about 6-8 minutes.
  • Cook pasta following package directions. Drain in a colander and set aside. While pasta is cooking, make cheese sauce.
  • In a small pot over medium heat, heat milk. When hot, remove from heat. Cover to keep warm.
  • In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour. Whisk with a fork, stirring constantly.
  • Slowly add the warm milk. Stir constantly with a rubber spatula, until sauce thickens. Sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  • Stir in salt and black pepper. Add cream cheese, grated cheese, and broccoli. Stir until grated cheese is melted. Remove from heat.
  • Add macaroni to cheese sauce. Stir to coat.

Video

Notes

  • Use any veggies you like. Try using 1½ cups chopped tomatoes, steamed cauliflower, cooked peas or spinach, or cooked butternut or acorn squash cubes instead of broccoli.
  • For a heartier version, in step 8 add 1 (12-ounce) can of tuna packed in water, drained. Or, add cubed and cooked chicken pieces.
  • For extra flavor, add ½ teaspoon dried thyme or any herbs and spices you like. Mix into the sauce with the salt and pepper.
  • Use other whole wheat pasta, like penne or shells, instead of macaroni.
  • Top with toasted whole wheat bread crumbs if you like.
  • Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese
Amount per Serving
Calories
 
180
Calories from Fat 54
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
6
g
9
%
Saturated Fat
 
3
g
19
%
Trans Fat
 
1
g
Cholesterol
 
17
mg
6
%
Sodium
 
173
mg
8
%
Potassium
 
233
mg
7
%
Carbohydrates
 
26
g
9
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
2
g
2
%
Protein
 
9
g
18
%
Vitamin A
 
454
IU
9
%
Vitamin C
 
34
mg
41
%
Calcium
 
125
mg
13
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword All-Purpose Flour, AP Flour, Broccoli, Butter, Cheddar Cheese, Cheese, Cream Cheese, Flour, Harvesting Good Broccoli, Macaroni, Milk, Monterey Jack Cheese, Pasta, Vegetarian
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