Name: Creamy One Pot Vegetable Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 cup diced yellow onion; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 1/2 cups mixed veggies (fresh or frozen); 2 cups vegetable broth (divided, see instructions); 3 tablespoons flour; 2 1/2 cups milk; 3 cups elbow macaroni (about 10 ounces); 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (a mix of white sharp cheddar and mild cheddar)

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If you are craving a comforting, cheesy dish that brings together the best of vegetables and pasta without the fuss of multiple pots and pans, then this Creamy One Pot Vegetable Mac and Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a wonderful balance of velvety cheese sauce, tender elbow macaroni, and vibrant fresh veggies, all cooked together in a single pan to create a rich, flavorful meal ready in just 25 minutes. This kid-friendly delight is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a satisfying meal with minimal cleanup—simply put, it’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round stainless steel pan sits on a white marbled surface, filled with one layer of small, light golden-brown sautéed onions with a soft texture. A wooden spatula rests inside the pan on the right side, gently mixing the onions. In the background, a wooden cutting board holds two halves of a white onion, one lying flat and the other upright, along with some small diced white onion pieces and a large silver knife with a wooden handle. A green and white striped cloth is partially visible under the left side of the pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in building the perfect texture, color, and flavor. From the sharpness of the cheddar cheese to the wholesome crunch of mixed veggies, these simple staples come together to make magic happen in one pot.

Olive oil: Adds a smooth, fruity base for sautéing onions and garlic, enhancing overall flavor.
Diced yellow onion: Provides sweetness and depth when softened at the start.
Minced garlic: Delivers a subtle aromatic punch that complements the cheese perfectly.
Vegetable broth: Infuses natural savory notes while cooking the pasta for extra flavor.
Flour: Used to thicken the sauce, creating that creamy, luscious texture.
Milk: The velvety base of the cheese sauce, balancing richness and smoothness.
Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds the sauce beautifully and is loved by all ages.
Mixed veggies: Adds color, nutrition, and freshness, choosing between fresh or frozen based on convenience.
Cheddar cheese: The star ingredient—combining sharp white and mild cheddar gives a full-bodied cheesy flavor.

How to Make Creamy One Pot Vegetable Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the flavorful foundation for your dish.

Step 2: Create Your Roux

Next, pour in half a cup of vegetable broth and sprinkle the flour over the mixture. Stir constantly to combine everything well and cook for one minute. This process helps to slightly thicken the sauce so that the final dish stays creamy without being runny.

Step 3: Add Liquid and Pasta

Add the remaining vegetable broth along with the milk, elbow macaroni, and mixed vegetables to the skillet. Give everything a good stir, ensuring the pasta is evenly submerged. Then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer to let the pasta cook slowly and absorb all that lovely flavor.

Step 4: Simmer Until Al Dente

Let the mixture cook over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking, until the pasta reaches that perfect al dente texture. This usually takes about 10 minutes. The veggies will cook through by this time, keeping their natural bite and vibrant color.

Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Serve

Once the pasta is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts completely and coats every bit of macaroni and vegetable with velvety goodness. Serve hot straight from the pot and watch everyone dig in happily.

How to Serve Creamy One Pot Vegetable Mac and Cheese Recipe

A white plate holds a single layer of cream-coated elbow macaroni mixed with small green peas, bright orange carrot cubes, yellow corn kernels, and green broccoli florets, creating a colorful and soft texture. A shiny silver fork rests on the right edge of the plate on top of the pasta. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a soft white cloth partially visible under it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Keep it simple and fresh by sprinkling chopped parsley or chives on top for a splash of green and subtle herbaceous flavor. For an extra touch, a dusting of smoked paprika or cracked black pepper not only adds color but also a slight kick that awakens your tastebuds.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or garlic-roasted broccoli. The fresh profile of these sides contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy mac and cheese, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, serve the Creamy One Pot Vegetable Mac and Cheese Recipe in individual rustic ramekins or cast-iron skillets to keep it warm and visually inviting. You can also top each portion with toasted breadcrumbs or even crispy bacon bits to add a delightful crunch and extra flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover mac and cheese should be cooled completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it an easy option for lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes nicely as well. Transfer portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the mac and cheese gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess. Stir frequently to avoid separation and enjoy as if freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of elbow macaroni?

Absolutely! Shells, penne, or rotini all work beautifully in this recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking time as it may vary slightly with different shapes.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes, swap out the cheddar cheese for your favorite vegan cheese and use plant-based milk options. Make sure the vegetable broth is vegan-friendly as well.

Can I add different vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with broccoli florets, bell peppers, peas, or carrots. Just adjust cooking time so all veggies stay tender but crisp.

What if I don’t have vegetable broth on hand?

You can substitute with chicken broth or even water in a pinch, but broth truly enhances flavor, so I recommend keeping some vegetable broth stocked for the best results.

How can I make the dish extra cheesy?

Adding a bit of cream cheese or grating in some parmesan along with cheddar gives the sauce an extra boost of richness and complexity.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy One Pot Vegetable Mac and Cheese Recipe truly is a shining example of simple ingredients coming together to create a heartwarming and delicious meal that everyone will adore. Whether you’re making it as a quick weeknight solution or a cozy weekend treat, it promises comfort in every bite. I can’t recommend it enough—grab your skillet and give it a try today; I’m sure it will become one of your go-to recipes too!