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Skillet Broccoli-Cheddar Mac & Cheese

Broccoli—just like pasta—makes a tasty pairing with sharp Cheddar. Here, we've combined all three ingredients in a homey casserole that's baked in a cast-iron skillet. Replacing some of the pasta in the dish with vegetables makes it more nutritious and helps you cut down on carbs.

Active Time
30 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Yield
Serves 6

How to Make It

1. Step
Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Step
Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions, adding broccoli for the last minute of cooking. Drain.
3. Step
Wipe the pot dry and place over medium-low heat. Add butter and swirl until melted. Sprinkle flour over the butter; whisk until smooth. Slowly add milk, salt and smoked paprika; cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture bubbles and thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup Cheddar and Parmesan. Add the drained pasta and broccoli, stirring to coat well.
4. Step
Transfer the mixture to a 10-inch cast-iron skillet and sprinkle with panko and the remaining 3 tablespoons Cheddar. Bake until the cheese is melted and starting to turn golden, 15 to 20 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 10 ounces whole-wheat penne pasta
  • 4 cups bite-size broccoli florets (8 1/2 ounces)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 ¾ cups low-fat milk
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese plus 3 tablespoons, divided
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs

Tags

Diabetes AppropriateEgg FreeHigh-ProteinNut-FreeSoy-FreeVegetarian

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