Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese with Broccoli
Creamy coconut milk-based mac and cheese loaded with broccoli, peas, spinach, and young Gouda cheese. Baked until golden with almond slivers on top. Dairy-free and gluten-free when using rice pasta, this comfort dish combines roasted vegetables with a rich cheese sauce for a healthier take on the classic.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups whole grain rice pasta, or pasta of choiceregular pasta1:1gluten-free
standard pasta works equally well
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 11 oz frozen broccoli, florets
- 3 ½ oz frozen peas
- 2 tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 ½ cups creamy coconut milk, canned
- ¼ cups Parmesan cheese
- 1 ¼ cups young Gouda cheese, gratedcheddar1:1dairyadds dairy
- 1 handful baby spinach leaveskale1:1greensFull guide →
- 1 ¾ oz sliced almonds
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 pinch black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F with both heating elements.
- 2
Cook pasta according to package directions.
- 3
Sauté garlic and frozen vegetables in coconut oil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- 4
Add coconut milk and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5
Blend Parmesan, half the grated Gouda, pepper, salt, and spinach leaves in a high-powered blender until finely grated, then add to the pan and stir to combine.
- 6
Grease a baking dish with coconut oil.
- 7
Stir cooked pasta into the creamy vegetable mixture and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- 8
Sprinkle remaining grated Gouda over top and add almond slivers if desired.
- 9
Bake for 30 minutes and serve.
Tips
Stir the coconut milk mixture frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Taste and adjust seasoning before transferring to the baking dish.
Use a high-powered blender to achieve a smooth cheese base.
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 160°C or on stovetop with a splash of coconut milk to restore creaminess.
Prepare through step 6 and refrigerate up to 1 day ahead. Add pasta and cheese mixture, assemble, and bake when ready to serve.
Serve warm directly from the baking dish with crusty bread or a green salad.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip stirring the coconut milk mixture to avoid curdling or scorching.
Do not overbake to avoid drying out the dish; 30 minutes is sufficient.
Do not forget to taste and adjust seasoning before baking to avoid bland results.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
standard pasta works equally well