Luscious Lower Fat Macaroni Cheese

Indulge in comfort food without the guilt with this Luscious Lower Fat Macaroni Cheese, a healthier twist on the classic favorite. Creamy and satisfying, this recipe swaps traditional heavy cream and full-fat cheeses for low-fat cream cheese, reduced-fat cheddar, and low-fat milk, creating a velvety sauce that's irresistibly smooth without compromising on flavor. Hints of Dijon mustard, garlic, and onion powders, along with a sprinkle of paprika, add a burst of savory depth, while a final touch of chopped parsley brightens the dish. Ready in just 35 minutes and customizable with an optional golden-bubbly topping, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or comforting family meals. Savor every low-fat, cheesy bite—it’s wholesome indulgence at its best!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 250 grams Elbow macaroni
• 120 grams Low-fat cream cheese
• 150 grams Reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
• 250 ml Low-fat milk
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Onion powder
• 0.25 teaspoon Paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once warm, whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 3

Gradually whisk in the low-fat milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the low-fat cream cheese until fully melted and combined.

Step 5

Add the shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese in small handfuls, stirring until completely melted before adding more. This will help create a smooth sauce.

Step 6

Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Step 7

Remove the cheese sauce from heat and gently fold in the cooked macaroni, ensuring all the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 8

Optional: Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a greased baking dish, sprinkle a small amount of additional shredded cheddar (if desired), and place it under a preheated grill (broiler) for 3-5 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 9

Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(814.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2039.9

Total Fat 73.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 34.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 143.2mg	0%
Sodium 2903.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 231.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.1g	0%
Total Sugars 24.9g
Protein 97.7g	0%

Vitamin D 137.1IU	0%
Calcium 1577.1mg	0%
Iron 10.9mg	0%
Potassium 417.3mg	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: 33.3%

Protein: 19.8%

Carbs: 46.9%