Panera Bread Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe Copycat
Servings: 4
Calories: 685kcal
This Panera Bread's broccoli mac and cheese recipe copycat is an easy dinner featuring a creamy cheese sauce, tender shells, and fresh broccoli. It's sure to please the entire family. Best of all, this version cooks up in one pot!
Print Recipe
Add to Collection
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth divided, low sodium
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or to taste
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 8 ounces medium pasta shells uncooked
- 2 cups small, fresh, raw broccoli florets up to 3 cups worth
- ½ cup shredded carrots roughly chopped if desired
- ¾ cup half and half or whole milk
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese or your preference
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoon butter, 2 cups chicken broth (save the other one cup to add in while cooking; see step 3), 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon ground mustard powder, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper to the pan. Stir to combine and allow butter to melt.
- Add 8 oz pasta shells, 2 cups raw broccoli florets, and ½ cup shredded carrots. Stir together and bring mixture to a boil over high heat. Cover with lid and reduce heat to medium.
- Cook until shells are tender, adding more chicken broth as needed so pasta doesn't dry out.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in ¾ cup half and half, 4 oz softened cream cheese and 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese. Stir to melt cheese and sauce evenly coats ingredients.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.
Notes
- Pasta size and shape will effect how long pasta cooks. Small to medium sized works best.
- We prefer tender pasta, but you may prefer to cook your pasta al dente. Use the package directions as a guide and test pasta at the halfway point.
- Cream cheese will melt best if it's been softened at room temperature.
- For vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- If using a gluten free pasta, be sure to adjust cooking time and amount of broth if needed.
Nutrition
Calories: 685kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 116mg | Sodium: 1560mg | Potassium: 467mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 4202IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 520mg | Iron: 1mg