Heart-Healthy Chick-fil-A Inspired Mac n Cheese
Creamy, comforting, and guilt-free, this Heart-Healthy Chick-fil-A Inspired Mac n Cheese is a lighter take on the fast-food favorite without sacrificing flavor. Made with whole grain macaroni, tender cauliflower florets, and a velvety sauce of low-fat sharp cheddar and Parmesan, this recipe is packed with nutrition and indulgence in every bite. A touch of garlic, onion powder, and a pinch of nutmeg enhance its rich flavor profile, while olive oil and milk keep the dish heart-healthy and wholesome. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this better-for-you mac and cheese is ready in just 45 minutes and serves four delicious portions. Serve this creamy delight with a sprinkle of Parmesan for an irresistible finish!
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces Whole grain elbow macaroni
- 1 cup Cauliflower florets
- 2 cups Low-fat milk
- 1.5 cups Low-fat sharp cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 pinch Nutmeg
- 0.25 teaspoon Fresh ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole grain elbow macaroni and cauliflower florets, cooking until the pasta is al dente and the cauliflower is tender, about 8-10 minutes.
Step 2
Drain the pasta and cauliflower mixture and set aside.
Step 3
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to form a paste-like roux. Cook for about 1 minute without letting it brown.
Step 4
Gradually whisk in the low-fat milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk until the sauce begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5
Reduce the heat to low and add the low-fat sharp cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 6
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt. Adjust seasoning to taste, if necessary.
Step 7
Add the cooked pasta and cauliflower to the cheese sauce, stirring until everything is well combined and evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 8
Serve hot, garnished with a small sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1261.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2582.1 |
| Total Fat 88.6g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 39.0g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 206.6mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4109.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 220.3g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 27.4g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 28.2g | |
| Protein 243.9g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 278.5IU | 0% |
| Calcium 3721.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 10.0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1362.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories