Sign up to the GoodTo Newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information about how to do this, and how we hold your data, please see our privacy policy
Thank you for signing up to . You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
This vegetable macaroni cheese is crammed full with broccoli, cauliflower and tomatoes in a delicious creamy sauce.
Homemade macaroni beats anything you can buy in the shops. Processed versions often have a slightly synthetic taste - not the case with this from-scratch version. This recipe also contains plenty of vegetables to count towards your five-a-day. But what is really remarkable is how quick it is to put together - you can have it on the table in just 20 minutes. The bulk of the cooking is boiling the pasta, and throwing the vegetables in the pan after a few minutes to bubble along as well. After that, you literally just pop it under the grill to crisp for a few minutes. It's under 500 calories per portion, making it one of our favourite healthy pasta recipes (opens in new tab).
Ingredients
- 250g macaroni
- 1 large leek, trimmed and cut into chunks
- 300g mixed broccoli and cauliflower florets
- 350ml semi-skimmed milk
- 30g plain flour
- 1tsp English mustard
- 125g extra-mature Cheddar cheese, grated
- Salt and black pepper
- 8 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1tbsp Parmesan, freshly grated
WEIGHT CONVERTER
Method
- Add the pasta to a large pan of boiling salted water. Bring back to the boil for 5 mins, then add the veg and cook for another 5-8 mins, until pasta and broccoli are almost tender. Drain, keeping about 150ml of the cooking water.
- Meanwhile, put the milk in a large jug, whisk in the flour, and microwave for a few minutes, whisking occasionally, to make a thick sauce. Or make in a pan. Whisk in some of the cooking water to slacken sauce. Stir in the mustard and about a third of the cheese, and season.
- Pre-heat the grill. Warm a flameproof dish under it for a few minutes. Mix the pasta and vegetables into the sauce. Spoon the mixture into the hot dish and sprinkle with the rest of the Cheddar. Arrange the tomatoes on top and sprinkle with the Parmesan. Brown the macaroni cheese under the grill.
Top tips for making vegetable macaroni cheese
It’s better to use a small amount of extra-mature Cheddar, rather than low-fat Cheddar. The low fat cheese has less flavour, so you’ll use more.
You might also like...
(opens in new tab)Healthy chicken recipes (opens in new tab)
Low calorie meals (opens in new tab)
Slimming World macaroni cheese

Jessica Dady is Senior Content Editor at Goodto.com and has over 10 years of experience as a digital journalist, specialising in all things food, recipes, and SEO. From the best food hampers to cookbooks, from the best cake stands to baking sets, Jessica has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to must-have food products. A passionate baker, she spends much of her time creating celebration cakes for friends and family - particularly for her two lucky children.
-
Slimming World fruity pasta salad
This fresh, citrusy pasta salad makes a delicious light lunch and is ideal picnic food. A fruity pasta by Slimming World with orange, apples, and grapes...
By Slimming World • Published
-
Low-calorie macaroni cheese
Low-calorie macaroni cheese is a really delicious and guilt-free option for anyone who loves this pasta bake but can't enjoy it if they're on a diet
By Jessica Dady • Published
-
Cheese crumble with leeks
Looking for vegetarian recipes, vegetarian crumble recipes or leek and cheese crumble recipes? This delicious leek and cheese crumble with mustard, hazelnuts and parsley is easy to make and a great vegetarian dish.
By Jessica Dady • Published
-
The Hummingbird Bakery vanilla cupcakes
These Hummingbird Bakery vanilla cupcakes are topped with candy-coloured vanilla frosting and sprinkles...
By Jessica Dady • Published
-
Roasted spatchcock chicken
Roasted spatchcock chicken is quicker and easier than your usual roast bird. It's ideal for cooking on the BBQ...
By Jessica Dady • Published
-
Black Forest gateau
Our Black Forest gateau has a rich, luxurious chocolate sponge sandwiched with freshly whipped cream and topped with sweet cherries...
By Jessica Dady • Published
-
The Queen’s dinner table rule means this everyday essential isn’t ‘allowed’ for her royal relatives
The Queen reportedly prefers a more 'formal' approach to mealtimes and prioritises traditional etiquette with her nearest and nearest...
By Emma Shacklock • Published
-
Mrs Hinch leaves the internet in shock with very bizarre dinner recipe
By Hayley Minn • Published
-
Kate Middleton ditched one big beauty mistake to look younger and it's so easy to copy
By Selina Maycock • Published