Roasted Veggie Mac & Cheese (Printable)

Tender macaroni tossed in creamy cheese sauce with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, and tomatoes.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 10 oz elbow macaroni

→ Roasted Vegetables

02 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
03 - 1 zucchini, diced
04 - 1 small red onion, chopped
05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 1 cup broccoli florets
07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 - ½ teaspoon salt
09 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Cheese Sauce

10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
11 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
12 - 2 cups whole milk
13 - 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
14 - ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
15 - ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
16 - ½ teaspoon mustard powder
17 - ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
18 - Salt and pepper to taste

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread evenly on the baking sheet.
02 - Roast vegetables for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.
03 - Meanwhile, cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
04 - For the cheese sauce, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
05 - Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until slightly thickened, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
06 - Reduce heat to low. Add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Stir in mustard powder and garlic powder, then season with salt and pepper.
07 - Add cooked macaroni and roasted vegetables to the sauce. Stir until well combined and heated through.
08 - Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The roasted veggies add natural sweetness and texture that make every bite different.
  • It feels indulgent but sneaks in a full serving of vegetables without trying too hard.
  • The three-cheese sauce is silky and rich without being gummy or bland.
  • You can prep the vegetables while the pasta cooks, so everything comes together fast.
02 -
  • Don't skip the whisking when you add the milk, lumps in the sauce are nearly impossible to smooth out later.
  • Roast the vegetables in a single layer with space between them, crowding the pan will steam them instead of caramelizing the edges.
  • Add the cheese after reducing the heat, high heat can make the sauce grainy and separated.
  • Taste the sauce before mixing in the pasta, it's easier to adjust seasoning when it's on its own.
03 -
  • Shred your own cheese instead of buying pre-shredded, the anti-caking agents in bagged cheese can make the sauce gritty.
  • Roast extra vegetables and keep them in the fridge, they're great for adding to eggs, grain bowls, or sandwiches all week.
  • If the sauce feels too thick, whisk in a little pasta cooking water or extra milk until it reaches the consistency you like.
  • Season the vegetables generously before roasting, it's harder to fix bland vegetables after they're mixed into the sauce.
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