Introduction

This Veggie Mac & Cheese is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food, packed with nutritious cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots. Creamy cheese sauce coats whole wheat rotini, making it both wholesome and satisfying. It’s a perfect family-friendly meal that sneaks in extra vegetables without compromising flavor.

The image shows a bowl of creamy pasta salad in a white bowl resting inside another white bowl, placed on a white marbled surface. The salad has three main layers: the pasta layer is small, spiral-shaped and pale yellow in color; the vegetable layer has small green broccoli florets, orange carrot cubes, and bits of green peas; the top layer is a light creamy sauce coating the pasta and vegetables, sprinkled with a little black pepper on top. The background is softly blurred with warm, neutral tones, highlighting the fresh and colorful dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups cauliflower florets
3 cups broccoli florets
2-3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped (about 1 cup)
8 ounces whole wheat rotini (or similar pasta shape)
3 cups whole milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (plus more to taste)
6 ounces Gouda cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)
4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
2 ounces Parmesan cheese, shredded (about 1/2 cup)
3/4 cup frozen peas
1-2 tablespoons breadcrumbs, for topping
Red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Steam the vegetables by filling a large pot with about 1 inch of water and placing a vegetable steamer inside. Arrange the cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots on the steamer, cover, and cook over high heat for 2-3 minutes until lightly tender. If you don’t have a steamer, place the vegetables directly in the water. Drain and set aside. Alternatively, steam the veggies in the microwave with 1/4 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, for about 3 minutes.
Step 2: In a medium stock pot with high sides, combine the milk, whole wheat rotini, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. Continue until the pasta is al dente and the milk begins to thicken, following the pasta brand’s recommended cooking time.
Step 3: Remove the pot from heat. Gradually add the shredded Gouda, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth.
Step 4: Stir in the steamed vegetables and frozen peas gently until everything is evenly coated in the creamy cheese sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Serve the mac and cheese in bowls, topped with a sprinkling of breadcrumbs and optional red pepper flakes for a little heat and crunch.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of your favorite cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.
For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of cream before serving.
If you prefer a crispy topping, bake the assembled mac and cheese in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes after adding breadcrumbs.
Swap frozen peas for other quick-cooking vegetables like corn or chopped spinach.

Storage

Store leftover Veggie Mac & Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. For best texture, avoid reheating multiple times.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with creamy pasta featuring spiral-shaped noodles mixed with small broccoli florets, cauliflower pieces, green peas, and diced carrots. The dish has a smooth, light yellow cheese sauce coating the pasta and vegetables, topped with a sprinkle of black pepper and grated cheese. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a silver spoon and fork beside it, with a piece of parsley partly visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of whole wheat?

Yes, regular pasta works fine in this recipe and will cook similarly. Whole wheat adds extra fiber and a nutty flavor, but feel free to choose based on preference.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can steam the vegetables and shred the cheese ahead of time. Cook the pasta and finish assembling just before serving for the best texture and flavor.