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Macaroni & Cheese With Vegetables

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: Boiling Cuisine: Italian Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 6 Calories: 943.5

Dietary:

V Vegetarian

Description

This Macaroni & Cheese with Vegetables is a hearty, comforting dish that combines classic creamy cheddar and Parmesan sauce with vibrant, healthy veggies. The bow-tie pasta holds the rich, velvety sauce perfectly, while broccoli, mushrooms, and red peppers add texture and fresh flavor notes. It is an excellent choice for weeknight dinners when you need something satisfying yet relatively quick to prepare. The blend of basil and paprika provides a subtle aromatic kick without overpowering the cheesy goodness. Serve it family-style for a crowd-pleasing meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome. It is a versatile recipe that can be easily scaled or customized with your favorite seasonal vegetables.

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of margarine over medium heat. Remove from heat and whisk in the flour until smooth.
Return the saucepan to medium heat. Gradually whisk in the vegetable stock and milk, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens.
Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, basil, paprika, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of margarine over medium heat. Add the broccoli, red pepper, and mushrooms. Sauté, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared cheese sauce over the pasta and vegetables, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
Transfer to serving dishes and garnish with sliced scallions and fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 943.5kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 59.8g92%
Saturated Fat 19.4g97%
Cholesterol 56.4mg19%
Sodium 828.5mg35%
Total Carbohydrate 69.4g24%
Dietary Fiber 8.3g34%
Sugars 8.0g
Protein 35.5g71%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For a richer flavor, you can substitute butter for the margarine.

Feel free to customize the vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preference. Spinach, peas, or zucchini work well.

If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Macaroni & Cheese With Vegetables