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    Home » Grateful Grazer

    Published: Apr 4, 2019 · Modified: Mar 13, 2022 by Stephanie McKercher, RDN · 16 Comments

    Spring Vegetable Skillet Mac and Cheese

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    The ultimate comforting Skillet Mac and Cheese recipe for spring. Broccoli, asparagus, peas, and whole wheat elbow macaroni are cooked in a creamy, white bean cheese sauce with herbed breadcrumb topping.

    (Sponsored by Horizon Organic.)

    White cast iron skillet filled with mac and cheese against gray background.

    Early spring is a funny time of year. I’m in the mood for asparagus and peas, but I also know a foot of snow could hit us at just about any moment. 

    During the seasonal limbo that is early spring in the mountains, I want all the green veggies, but I still need a dinner that’s hearty and comforting. Something that’ll help me feel totally satisfied when it’s cool and damp out. 

    Enter this recipe for Skillet Mac and Cheese. 

    It’s made with a springy mix of green vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, peas, and spinach), but you’ve still got the creamy cheese sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping to satisfy all your comfort-food needs. 

    Skillet mac and cheese in a pan next to carton of Horizon Organic whole milk.
    Spring Vegetable Skillet Mac and Cheese in a white cast iron skillet with spoon.

    How to Make this Spring Vegetable Skillet Mac and Cheese:

    First, you have to sauté the vegetables and cook the noodles. I used whole wheat elbow macaroni, but any type of short pasta works. 

    The pasta will continue to cook a bit once it’s mixed with the warm sauce at the end, so I like to drain it from the pot once it’s a little firmer than al dente. Cutting 1-2 minutes off the cooking time listed on the package instructions should do the trick. 

    Don’t rinse the pasta when you drain it. Rinsing can remove some of the starches that help the cheese sauce stick to the pasta once it’s all mixed together. 

    When you have the pasta drained and the vegetables sautéed, it’s time to make the sauce. 

    To keep things simple, I cooked the cheese sauce in the same skillet I used to make the vegetables. I just temporarily transferred the cooked veggies into a bowl while I whisked together the rest of the ingredients in the skillet. 

    One thing that makes this sauce unique is that it’s made with white beans. The beans lend an extra heartiness to this Skillet Mac and Cheese, plus some added fiber and protein, too. (The dietitian in me just couldn’t help myself.) 

    This Skillet Mac and Cheese is also nice and creamy, thanks to new Horizon® Organic Grassfed Milk with vitamin D, good old-fashioned butter, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. When I buy dairy, I seek out organic products made from cows that spend their time on pastures at least 120 days a year, so Horizon Organic is one of my favorites.

    The last step for making this Spring Vegetable Skillet Mac and Cheese is the crispy herb breadcrumb topping. This part is optional, but it only takes a few extra minutes, and come on! Who doesn’t love a little crispy topping? 

    You can save big on Horizon Organic dairy products during the Organic Sale going on at Sprouts through April 17th. Just in time to squash your biggest early-spring comfort-food cravings!   

    Skillet mac and cheese in a pan next to carton of Horizon Organic whole milk.

    Spring Vegetable Skillet Mac and Cheese

    Whole grain pasta and seasonal spring vegetables cooked in a creamy cheese sauce with herbed breadcrumb topping.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Save Saved! Rate
    Course: dinner, lunch, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American, Spring, vegetarian
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes
    Servings: 6 people
    Author: Stephanie McKercher, RDN

    Ingredients

    Pasta:

    • 8 ounces uncooked whole wheat elbow macaroni pasta or pasta of choice

    Vegetables:

    • 1 tablespoon Horizon Organic unsalted butter
    • 1 shallot, sliced
    • 2 cups chopped broccoli
    • 1 cup chopped asparagus
    • 1 cup frozen green peas
    • 2 cups chopped spinach
    • Salt and pepper

    Sauce:

    • 2 tablespoons Horizon Organic unsalted butter
    • 3 cups Horizon Organic Grassfed Vitamin D Milk
    • 1 ¼ cup white beans, mashed (such as great northern or white kidney beans; drain and rinse if canned)
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (reduce or omit for mild flavor)
    • Salt and pepper
    • 1 ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
    • ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

    Optional topping:

    • ½ cup breadcrumbs
    • 1 tablespoon Horizon Organic unsalted butter, softened
    • 1 teaspoon dry basil or oregano (optional)
    • Salt and pepper
    • Optional garnish:
    • Chopped fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley
    • Crushed red pepper

    Instructions

    Prepare pasta:

    • Add pasta to large stockpot of boiling water and cook 4 minutes, or until slightly firmer than al dente. (Boil for 1 minute less than the cooking time listed on the package.) Drain and set aside. Do not rinse.

    Sauté vegetables:

    • In the meantime, add butter to a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Stir in shallot and cook 2 minutes, or until softened. Stir in broccoli and asparagus and cook 4 minutes, or until the color turns bright green. Stir in green peas and spinach and cook 2 minutes, or until spinach is wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove cooked vegetables from skillet and set aside.

    Prepare sauce:

    • Add butter to same skillet used to cook vegetables. Stir in milk and mashed beans and whisk over medium heat until the texture is smooth and creamy. Stir in onion powder, crushed red pepper, and salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer 10 minutes, or until sauce is thickened and reduced.
    • Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese and turn off heat. Add cooked pasta and vegetables to the sauce in the skillet. (Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to stir in a separate pot or bowl before transfering the mixture back into the skillet to thoroughly mix the components.)

    Make topping (if using):

    • Preheat broiler. Stir together breadcrumbs, softened butter, dry basil or oregano (if using), and salt and pepper.
    • Sprinkle breadcrumb topping over mac and cheese skillet. Broil 2 minutes, or until topping turns golden brown.
    • Remove from oven and garnish with chopped fresh herbs and crushed red pepper if desired.

    Notes

    Substitute with seasonal vegetables as needed to make this recipe year round. Sauté 3 cups of chopped seasonal vegetables with shallot (or onion) and spinach (or any greens).
    Tried this recipe? Tag me on Instagram!Mention @GratefulGrazer or tag #gratefulgrazer.

    Like this recipe for Spring Vegetable Skillet Mac and Cheese? Save it on Pinterest or share the link with a friend. 

    White skillet with mac and cheese and text that reads, "Spring Vegetable Skillet Mac and Cheese."
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    Comments

    1. Healthy Helper says

      April 09, 2019 at 4:46 pm

      Well this looks AMAZING. I love mac and cheese....add some veggies in there and it's a meal I can actually feel GOOD about eating. Can't wait to try this!!

      Reply
      • Stephanie McKercher, RDN says

        April 09, 2019 at 7:10 pm

        Spring veggies make every meal better! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Natalie says

      April 09, 2019 at 12:49 pm

      5 stars
      Oh this looks absolutely delicious. It's loaded with all the veggies I just love. I must give this a try very soon. My family will love this too.

      Reply
      • Stephanie McKercher, RDN says

        April 09, 2019 at 3:06 pm

        Thanks so much, Natalie! Let me know if you guys try it. 🙂

        Reply
    3. Emily @Sinful Nutrition says

      April 09, 2019 at 6:38 am

      This sounds incredible! I know my boyfriend would eat this entire recipe in one sitting! 🙂

      Reply
      • Stephanie McKercher, RDN says

        April 09, 2019 at 7:38 am

        Seconds and thirds are totally encouraged! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Angela Cardamone @marathonsandmotivation.com says

      April 08, 2019 at 9:47 pm

      This looks like such a beautiful dish! It is something my entire family will enjoy, so I can't wait to try it!! I'm a huge fan of Horizon too, so I can't wait to try this!!

      Reply
      • Stephanie McKercher, RDN says

        April 09, 2019 at 7:37 am

        Yay! Let me know what you think of the recipe when you try it! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Deborah Brooks says

      April 08, 2019 at 5:08 pm

      Mac n cheese is always a crowd fave at our house! Love how you packed in so many veggies in here. Yum!

      Reply
      • Stephanie McKercher, RDN says

        April 09, 2019 at 7:37 am

        There are so many good ones to choose from this time of year!

        Reply
    6. Abbey Sharp says

      April 08, 2019 at 2:45 pm

      5 stars
      Love finding new ways to use spring vegetables! I definitely need to make this recipe!

      Reply
      • Stephanie McKercher, RDN says

        April 09, 2019 at 7:37 am

        Thanks, Abbey! There are so many good seasonal veggies right now!

        Reply
    7. Liz S. says

      April 07, 2019 at 8:25 am

      I made this last night for a cozy Saturday at home with my husband. It was pretty simple to make and tasted amazing (we both had seconds hahah)! I subbed in kale for spinach and am already thinking of other veggies I can put in as the seasons change. Definitely going to add this to my recipe rotation. Thanks Steph!

      Reply
      • Stephanie McKercher, RDN says

        April 08, 2019 at 8:12 am

        Yay, so happy you guys enjoyed it! Love the kale substitution, too. Sounds delicious!

        Reply
    8. Liz says

      April 04, 2019 at 9:12 am

      5 stars
      This is amazing! I cannot wait to whip this up for Mr.CEO this weekend!

      Reply
      • Stephanie McKercher, RDN says

        April 05, 2019 at 7:23 am

        Aw thanks, Liz! I hope you guys enjoy it!

        Reply

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    Hello! My name is Stephanie. I'm a registered dietitian, recipe developer, and cookbook author. Here on Grateful Grazer, you'll find easy, plant-forward recipes, vegetarian nutrition information, and approachable guides to meal planning and prep.

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