The Blue Box and Broccoli
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with "The Blue Box and Broccoli," a quick and comforting recipe that combines creamy boxed macaroni and cheese with the wholesome addition of fresh broccoli. In just 25 minutes, this easy-to-make dish serves up a delightful balance of cheesy richness and vibrant green florets, all cooked together in one pot to save on prep and cleanup time. With a buttery cheese sauce infused with a touch of Parmesan (optional for an extra flavor boost), and seasoned simply with salt and black pepper, this recipe is perfect for busy days when you need a satisfying, family-friendly meal. Ideal for macaroni and cheese lovers who want a nutritious twist, this dish pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or stands alone as a hearty, veggie-packed entrée.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 package boxed macaroni and cheese
- 2 cups broccoli
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Fill a medium-sized pot with water and bring to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
While the water heats up, rinse and chop the broccoli into small florets.
Once the water is boiling, add the macaroni noodles from the boxed macaroni and cheese. Cook according to the package instructions, usually 7-8 minutes.
When there are 4 minutes remaining for the pasta, add the broccoli florets directly into the boiling water with the pasta. This will cook the broccoli alongside the macaroni.
Drain the cooked macaroni and broccoli in a colander and set aside.
Return the pot to the stove over low heat. Add the butter and milk specified by the boxed macaroni instructions.
Add the cheese powder from the boxed macaroni and whisk to create a smooth cheese sauce.
Return the drained macaroni and broccoli to the pot. Stir well to coat everything evenly in the cheese sauce.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your elevated 'Blue Box and Broccoli'!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1116 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 47.9 g | 61% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.4 g | 112% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 106 mg | 35% | |
| Sodium | 3643 mg | 158% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 151.7 g | 55% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.6 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.0 g | ||
| Protein | 39.6 g | 79% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 751 mg | 58% | |
| Iron | 6.7 mg | 37% | |
| Potassium | 1498 mg | 32% | |
*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.
