Up-To-Date Macaroni And Cheese
Up-To-Date Macaroni And Cheese is a vibrant, cheesy pasta dish loaded with fresh vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and mushrooms. The rich cheese sauce is flavored with sharp Cheddar and Parmesan, making it a comforting yet colorful meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. bow tie pasta ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. butter, divided ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1 c. chicken broth
- 3/4 c. milk ⓘ
- 3/4 c. grated sharp Cheddar ⓘ
- 1/3 to 1/2 c. grated Parmesan ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 2 c. broccoli florets ⓘ
- 1 c. red bell pepper, cubed ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 3/4 c. sliced green onions ⓘ
- pinch of black pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the bow tie pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat; add flour and stir to form a roux.
- Gradually stir in chicken broth and milk, cover, and cook until the mixture thickens and boils.
- Reduce heat to low, then stir in grated Cheddar, Parmesan, salt, paprika, and black pepper until melted and smooth.
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add broccoli florets, red bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, and green onions; stir-fry until vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and sautéed vegetables, mixing thoroughly.
- Serve topped with additional Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or Dijon mustard to the cheese sauce. If you prefer a creamier texture, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and flour. You can also mix in cooked protein like shredded chicken from recipes like Savory Baked Chicken for added heartiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this macaroni and cheese alongside a fresh garden salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with savory proteins like Chicken-Vegetable Gumbo. For a fun twist, top with breadcrumbs before baking for added crunch or serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk to the pasta mixture and warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Up-To-Date Macaroni And Cheese contains roughly 1656 calories, with 36g protein, 209g carbohydrates, and 87g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (195% of the Daily Value), iron (160% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (138% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1129mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyère or mozzarella for a unique flavor. Just ensure that the cheese melts well to maintain the creamy texture of the sauce.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this macaroni and cheese vegetarian, simply omit the chicken broth and use vegetable broth instead. This will still provide a rich flavor without using meat.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely incorporate more vegetables! Consider adding spinach, peas, or zucchini for additional nutrition and color. Just sauté them along with the other vegetables until tender.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).