Lighter Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in the creamy comfort of 'Lighter Macaroni and Cheese,' a healthier twist on the classic favorite that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Made with wholesome whole wheat elbow macaroni and a velvety cheese sauce that blends sharp reduced-fat cheddar, Parmesan, and Greek yogurt, this dish is rich, satisfying, and guilt-free. This recipe uses skim milk and a light roux to create a luscious, silky texture, while a hint of Dijon mustard adds a tangy depth that elevates every bite. With only 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking time, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Garnish with smoked paprika for a smoky kick and serve with a side salad for a complete, balanced meal. Experience all the cheesy goodness you love—in a lighter, more nutritious way!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 ounces whole wheat elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup skim milk
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup sharp reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until golden and slightly bubbly.

Step 3

Slowly whisk in the low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, followed by the skim milk. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Reduce heat to low and stir in the plain Greek yogurt, shredded sharp reduced-fat cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 5

Season the sauce with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 6

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 7

If desired, sprinkle a pinch of paprika or smoked paprika on top for color and additional flavor.

Step 8

Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese or fresh parsley if preferred. Enjoy a comforting yet lighter version of mac and cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1199.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1984.1

Total Fat 79.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 45.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 233.8mg	0%
Sodium 3794.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 207.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.6g	0%
Total Sugars 25.7g
Protein 131.5g	0%

Vitamin D 131.4IU	0%
Calcium 2350.9mg	0%
Iron 9.8mg	0%
Potassium 1492.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.5%

Protein: 25.4%

Carbs: 40.0%