Skillet Mac and Cheese with Tomatoes and Zuchini

This Skillet Mac and Cheese with Tomatoes and Zucchini is a creamy, colorful 30-minute dinner made with tender macaroni, crisp-tender summer vegetables, and a smooth cheddar and Parmesan cheese sauce. Finished under the broiler with juicy cherry tomatoes and melted cheese, it's an easy comfort-food dinner for busy weeknights.Skillet Mac and Cheese with Tomatoes and Zucchini, 30 minute meal

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The zucchini, sweet red bell pepper, tomatoes, and fresh oregano give classic macaroni and cheese a fresh summer twist while keeping everything wonderfully creamy and satisfying.

For an olive oil-based pasta filled with even more seasonal produce, try this Easy Garden Pasta with Summer Vegetables.

Mac and Cheese Ingredients

Here is what you'll need to make this creamy vegetable mac and cheese. The exact ingredient measurements are in the recipe card below.

• Zucchini: Slice the zucchini into bite-size pieces so it cooks quickly and remains crisp-tender. Small or medium zucchini generally have the best texture for skillet recipes.
• Red Bell Pepper: Red bell pepper adds sweetness and beautiful color. Yellow or orange bell peppers would also work well.
• Elbow Macaroni: Elbow macaroni is the classic choice, but another small pasta shape, such as shells, cavatappi, or small penne, can also be used. Cook the pasta just until al dente, so it doesn't become too soft beneath the broiler.
• Milk and All-Purpose Flour: Whisking the milk and flour together before adding them to the skillet creates an easy thickened base for the cheese sauce without making a separate roux.
• Cream Cheese: Cream cheese makes the sauce especially smooth and creamy. Either light or full-fat cream cheese works in this recipe.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar gives the mac and cheese its familiar flavor and color. You can also use a combination of favorite melting cheeses, such as Gruyère, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Gouda. I often use a blend of whatever I have in the refrigerator.
• Parmesan Cheese: A little Parmesan adds salty, savory flavor to the creamy cheese sauce.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry or grape tomatoes soften beneath the broiler and add juicy bursts of flavor.
• Seasonings: Salt and freshly ground black pepper season the vegetables and cheese sauce. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning if desired.
• Fresh Oregano: Fresh oregano gives this pasta a summery Italian-inspired finish. Fresh basil or parsley would also be delicious.

For another flavorful variation, this Easy Italian Mac and Cheese Bake combines cheese, tomatoes, spinach, and sausage in an easy pasta dinner.

How to Make Skillet Mac and Cheese

Begin by cooking the macaroni according to the package directions. While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables and creamy cheese sauce.

1. Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
   Coat a large oven-safe skillet with cooking spray and heat it over medium heat. Add the zucchini and red bell pepper and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are crisp-tender. Transfer the vegetables to a nearby bowl and set aside.

2. Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
   Preheat the broiler. Then, in a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, flour, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Pour the milk mixture into the skillet and stir in the cream cheese. Cook over medium heat, whisking frequently, until the sauce is thickened and bubbly.

3. Step 3: Add the Cheese
   Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Parmesan, whisking until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.
   
   For a more traditional oven-baked version, you may also enjoy my family's Easy Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese.

4. Step 4: Add the Pasta and Vegetables
   Stir the cooked and drained macaroni into the cheese sauce. Return the sautéed zucchini and bell pepper to the skillet, folding them gently into the pasta. You can reserve a few vegetable pieces for the top if you'd like them to remain visible. Top the macaroni with the halved cherry tomatoes.

• Step 5: Broil Until Bubbly
  Place the skillet about 4 to 5 inches beneath the broiler and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the tomatoes begin to soften and the pasta is hot and bubbly.
  
  Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup shredded cheese over the top and broil for another 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is melted. Finish with fresh oregano just before serving.

Tips for the Best Skillet Mac and Cheese

• Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: Because the mac and cheese is finished beneath the broiler, be sure your skillet and its handle are oven-safe.
• Cook the Pasta Until Just Al Dente: The macaroni will continue to soften slightly when it is stirred into the hot sauce and placed beneath the broiler.
• Add the Cheese Gradually: Adding the shredded cheese a little at a time helps it melt evenly into the sauce.
• Watch the Skillet Closely: Broiler temperatures vary, and cheese can brown quickly. Keep an eye on the skillet during the final few minutes.
• Change the Vegetables with the Season: Yellow summer squash, baby spinach, broccoli, or corn can be substituted for part of the zucchini or bell pepper. Choose vegetables that cook quickly, and sauté them before adding them to the pasta.

Can I Use a Different Cheese?

Absolutely. Sharp cheddar gives the mac and cheese plenty of flavor, but a mild or medium cheddar is also delicious. Gruyère adds a slightly nutty flavor, while Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Gouda makes the sauce especially melty.

For the smoothest sauce, use a cheese that melts well and shred it before beginning the recipe.

Can I Add Protein?

This recipe makes a satisfying meatless dinner, but you can also stir in cooked shredded chicken, diced ham, or another cooked protein before broiling.

For a naturally protein-rich skillet meal featuring the same summer vegetables, try these Chicken Thighs with Tomatoes and Zucchini.

What to Serve with Vegetable Mac and Cheese

This skillet mac and cheese can be served as a complete meatless meal, especially with all the colorful vegetables folded into the pasta. It is also delicious with:

• A simple green salad
• Steamed green beans or broccoli
• Sliced summer tomatoes
• Crusty bread
• Grilled or roasted chicken

Storing and Reheating

Store leftover mac and cheese in a covered container in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave or warm them in a covered skillet over low heat.

Because pasta continues to absorb sauce as it rests, stir in a small splash of milk before reheating to help restore its creamy texture.

More Easy Zucchini Pasta Recipes

Have more summer zucchini to use? This Easy Zucchini Pasta with Butter Garlic Sauce combines zucchini, summer squash, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs in a quick skillet pasta.

You may also enjoy this Parmesan Corn and Zucchini Pasta, an easy 20-minute recipe filled with fresh summer flavors.