Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Broccoli and Peas
Tender macaroni, fresh broccoli, and sweet green peas baked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce with a golden topping for an easy, comforting family dinner.
This creamy baked mac and cheese with broccoli and peas is a comforting family favourite made with tender macaroni, fresh broccoli, and sweet green peas coated in a rich, cheesy sauce. Baked until golden and bubbling, it has a deliciously crisp topping with plenty of creamy goodness underneath. It’s an easy homemade casserole that brings vegetables and classic comfort food together, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Broccoli and Peas
This homemade baked mac and cheese combines tender macaroni, fresh broccoli, and sweet green peas in a rich, velvety cheese sauce. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s a comforting casserole with a lovely balance of creamy pasta and colourful vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Bake
There’s something irresistible about a golden, cheesy topping with soft, creamy pasta underneath. The broccoli adds a little texture, while the peas bring small bursts of sweetness. I especially like how the vegetables blend into the cheese sauce without taking away from that classic macaroni and cheese flavour.
An Easy Family Dinner for Cozy Evenings
This broccoli and pea macaroni casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, relaxed weekend meals, or whenever you’re craving homemade comfort food. Serve it hot from the oven with a crisp green salad, or enjoy a smaller portion alongside roasted chicken. It’s also a great dish for family potlucks.
My Kitchen Tip for Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Broccoli
One thing I find helpful when making baked mac and cheese is to cook the macaroni just until al dente. It continues to soften in the oven, so slightly firm pasta helps prevent a mushy casserole. I also like to keep the broccoli tender but not overcooked, since it will finish cooking alongside the peas and cheese sauce. If the sauce seems a little loose before baking, don’t worry. The pasta absorbs some of that creamy goodness as it cooks.
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Broccoli, Peas and Thyme
Equipment
- Large pot – for boiling pasta, broccoli, and peas evenly
- Colander – for draining pasta and vegetables
- Large saucepan or Dutch oven – for making the creamy homemade cheese sauce
- Whisk – essential for creating a smooth, lump-free cheese sauce
- Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring pasta and combining ingredients
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate baking and consistent flavor
- Box grater (or shredding tool) – for freshly shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese
- Baking dish (9×13 inch casserole dish) – for baking the mac and cheese until golden and bubbly
- Oven – to achieve the crispy, golden baked cheese crust
- Knife and cutting board – for prepping broccoli florets if needed
Ingredients
Pasta + Veg
- 3 cups elbow macaroni or similar pasta
- 1 ½ cups broccoli florets small pieces
- 1 cup green peas frozen or fresh
Pasta + Veg
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 ½ cups milk whole milk best
- 1 cup heavy cream or use more milk
- 2 ½ cups sharp cheddar shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella shredded for stretch + browning
- ½ tsp garlic powder highly recommended
- ½ tsp onion powder adds big flavor
- ½ tsp smoked paprika makes it taste “restaurant-style”
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¾ tsp salt adjust to taste
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard optional but adds amazing depth
Topping
- ½ cup extra cheddar/mozzarella mix
- Fresh thyme sprigs or dried thyme about 1 tsp
Instructions
- Cook pasta + veggiesBring a pot of salted water to a boil.Cook pasta until just barely al dente (1–2 minutes less than package directions).In the last 2 minutes, add broccoli florets to the pot. In the last 1 minute, add peas.Drain everything and set aside.
- Make the flavorful cheese sauceIn a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute (this removes the raw flour taste).Slowly whisk in milk + cream, stirring constantly until smooth.Simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened.Stir in: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, Dijon mustard (if using)Turn heat to low and stir in cheddar + mozzarella until melted and creamy.
- CombineAdd drained pasta + broccoli + peas into the sauce. Mix until fully coated.Bake for the golden cheesy crustPour into a greased baking dish.Top with extra shredded cheese and thymeBake at 400°F (205°C) for 15–20 minutes, until bubbling and browned.Optional: Broil 1–2 minutes at the end for a crispy top.
- Flavor Tip (Makes it AMAZING)Right before serving, sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt + black pepper on top and add fresh thyme leaves. It makes the cheese taste richer and more “grown-up.”
- ResultCreamy, cheesy, rich mac and cheese with bursts of sweet peas, tender broccoli, and a golden baked crust with thyme flavor.
Notes
- This creamy broccoli pea baked mac and cheese is a classic from-scratch comfort food casserole made with a rich homemade cheddar cheese sauce and baked until golden and bubbly.
- For the best creamy baked mac and cheese texture, cook the pasta just to al dente so it holds its shape during baking.
- Freshly shredded cheese is highly recommended for a smooth, velvety homemade cheese sauce and better melting consistency.
- Broccoli and green peas add color, texture, and nutrition, making this a family-friendly vegetable mac and cheese recipe even picky eaters enjoy.
- The combination of cheddar and mozzarella creates both bold flavor and a perfectly gooey, stretchy baked mac and cheese topping.
- A touch of smoked paprika and Dijon mustard enhances the depth of flavor and gives a subtle restaurant-style mac and cheese taste.
- Baking the dish uncovered creates a golden, crispy cheese crust that makes this recipe an irresistible oven-baked comfort food classic.
- This recipe is ideal for easy weeknight dinners, potlucks, holiday side dishes, and meal prep because it reheats well and maintains its creamy texture.
- For extra richness, use whole milk and heavy cream to achieve the ultimate ultra creamy baked mac and cheese sauce.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese sauce to set for cleaner serving and better texture.