Copy Cat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Copy cat Panera broccoli cheddar mac and cheese is oozing with a delicious cheesy sauce that encases every noodle and broccoli floret. This crave-worthy meal is the perfect combo of mac and cheese and broccoli cheddar cheese soup.
Equipment
- Medium sized pot
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow pasta
- 1 1/2 cup broccoli florets cut into 1/4 inch pieces
- 1 cup carrots shredded or matchstick
- 4 tbsp salted butter
- 4 tbsp all purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp chicken boullion
- 16 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a roaring boil. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook al dente, according to package instructions. In the last 4 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli and carrots to the pasta. Once it's done cooking, strain the pasta and vegetables and set to the side.
- Make the cheese sauce. Melt the butter over medium heat in a medium-sized pot. Add the flour and stir until it is combined, then allow it to cook for 1 minute. Add the heavy cream, water, chicken boullion, shredded cheese, garlic powder, and nutmeg. Stir and cook the sauce until the cheese is melted.
- Toss everything together. Place the pasta in a large bowl, then pour the cheese over the pasta. Stir to combine and coat everything in the cheese sauce. Serve with a sprinkle of cheese on top. Mangia!
Nutrition
Calories: 1032kcalCarbohydrates: 68gProtein: 32gFat: 71gSaturated Fat: 44gCholesterol: 236mgSodium: 604mgPotassium: 463mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 6158IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 645mgIron: 2mg
Nutrition values are estimates, for exact values consult a nutritionist.