Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic
– 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
– 3 tablespoons flour
– 2 1/2 cups milk
– 3 cups elbow macaroni (about 10 ounces)
– 1 1/2 cups mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen)
– 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (a mix of white sharp cheddar and mild cheddar)
– Gluten-free elbow macaroni
– Gluten-free flour blend
– Unsweetened plant-based milk
– Whole grain pasta
– Bean pasta
– Plant-based milk for vegan diets
– Vegan cheese or nutritional yeast
– Gluten-free or whole grain options
Instructions
1-First, gather all ingredients and prepare vegetables by chopping them into small pieces for even cooking.
2-In a 12-inch pan or skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
3-Sauté 1/2 cup diced yellow onion until soft, about 3 minutes, then add 1 tablespoon minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4-Add 1/2 cup vegetable broth and 3 tablespoons flour, stir, and cook for one minute to form a base for the sauce.
5-Slowly pour in the remaining 1 cup vegetable broth and 2 1/2 cups milk, then stir in 3 cups elbow macaroni and 1 1/2 cups mixed vegetables.
6-Reduce heat to low-medium and simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
7-Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Add a splash of milk if the sauce is too thick, and season with black pepper or garlic powder if desired.
8-Serve hot, or transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes for a baked version.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🥕 Both fresh and frozen vegetables work well – try peas, carrots, corn, broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach for variety and nutrition
🌶️ For extra flavor, add spices like cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, chili powder, or hot sauce to give it a spicy kick
🥛 For an ultra-smooth sauce, blend it before adding cheese – this eliminates any lumps from the flour mixture
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-pot cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian (if using vegetable broth)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg