Description

Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese combines tender elbow macaroni pasta with vibrant broccoli florets and a luscious, plant-based cheese sauce accented by crispy smoked turkey bacon. This comforting yet fresh dish offers a rich, silky texture and smoky depth, perfect for a satisfying family meal that balances indulgence with nutrition.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

2 cups macaroni pasta (small elbow)
1 1/2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

Cheese Sauce

1 1/2 cups plant-based cheese (blend of cashew-based and coconut oil-based cheeses)
1 1/4 cups plant-based milk (room temperature)
1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Additional Ingredients

4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Reserved pasta water, as needed (1 tablespoon increments to adjust sauce consistency)

Instructions

Prepare the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni pasta and cook until just shy of al dente, as it will finish cooking later. In the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to blanch until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving a small amount of pasta water for the sauce.
Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp and browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and place on paper towels to drain any excess fat.
Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet or a separate saucepan, whisk together the plant-based milk, plant-based cheese, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently warm the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring often until the plant-based cheese melts fully and the sauce thickens. Stir in the natural gelling agent to achieve a velvety consistency. Add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time as needed to reach the perfect creamy texture.
Combine Everything: Fold the cooked pasta, broccoli, and smoked turkey bacon into the cheese sauce gently until everything is well coated. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta to avoid mushy texture when mixed with sauce.
Reserve pasta water as it helps adjust sauce creaminess and improves sauce adherence.
Use room temperature plant-based milk to help the cheese sauce come together without lumps.
Crisp the smoked turkey bacon well to add great texture contrast and smoky notes.
Fold gently when combining to keep broccoli florets intact and vibrant.
To serve, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives and optionally dust with smoked paprika or plant-based Parmesan.
Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently using stovetop or microwave, adding plant-based milk or reserved pasta water if needed to restore creaminess.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: broccoli mac and cheese, plant-based mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, smoked turkey bacon mac and cheese, vegetarian comfort food, gluten-free mac and cheese