Creamy macaroni and cheese with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, and tomatoes for a nutritious comfort meal.
# What You'll 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
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine diced bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli florets. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
02 - Spread seasoned vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking, until tender and lightly caramelized.
03 - While vegetables roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain through a colander and set aside.
04 - Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to create a smooth paste, being careful not to brown.
05 - Gradually pour milk into the roux while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue whisking for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
06 - Reduce heat to low. Add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir constantly until all cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth. Season with mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
07 - Add the cooked macaroni and roasted vegetables to the cheese sauce. Fold gently until all ingredients are thoroughly coated and heated through, approximately 2 minutes.
08 - Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
