Roasted Veggie Mac & Cheese (Printer version)

Tender macaroni tossed in creamy cheese sauce with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 10 oz elbow macaroni

→ Roasted Vegetables

02 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
03 - 1 zucchini, diced
04 - 1 small red onion, chopped
05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 1 cup broccoli florets
07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Cheese Sauce

10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
11 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
12 - 2 cups whole milk
13 - 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
14 - 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
15 - 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
16 - 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
17 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
18 - Salt and pepper to taste

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, toss bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread evenly on the baking sheet.
03 - Roast vegetables for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.
04 - Meanwhile, cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
05 - For the cheese sauce, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
06 - Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until slightly thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes.
07 - Reduce heat to low. Add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Stir in mustard powder, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper.
08 - Add cooked macaroni and roasted vegetables to the sauce. Stir until well combined and heated through.
09 - Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The roasted vegetables add pockets of natural sweetness that balance the richness of the cheese sauce.
  • You get comfort food that actually includes a serving of vegetables without feeling like a compromise.
  • The whole thing comes together in under an hour, which means weeknight friendly without sacrificing flavor.
02 -
  • Don't skip stirring the vegetables halfway through roasting, or you'll end up with some pieces charred and others still pale.
  • Add the cheese to the sauce off high heat or it can break and turn grainy instead of smooth.
  • If your sauce feels too thick, whisk in a splash of milk before adding the pasta to loosen it up.
03 -
  • Shred your own cheese instead of buying pre shredded, it melts smoother because it doesn't have anti caking agents.
  • Taste your sauce before adding the pasta, it should be slightly over seasoned because the pasta and vegetables will dilute it.
  • Use a wide, shallow pan for the sauce so you have plenty of room to stir in the pasta and vegetables without making a mess.
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