Mika's Low Fat Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge guilt-free with Mika's Low Fat Macaroni and Cheese, a creamy, comforting classic reimagined with a healthier twist. This recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a velvety low-fat cheese sauce made from a blend of sharp reduced-fat cheddar, Parmesan, and a touch of cream cheese for extra creaminess. The smooth, flavorful sauce is elevated with subtle hints of garlic and mustard powder, creating an irresistible balance of flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, this lightened-up mac and cheese uses simple ingredients like low-fat milk and a roux to deliver all the decadence you crave with less fat and fewer calories. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this low-fat comfort food proves you don't have to sacrifice flavor for health.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 ounces Elbow macaroni
• 2 cups Low-fat milk (1% or skim)
• 1.5 cups Shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons Low-fat cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter
• 0.5 teaspoons Garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoons Mustard powder
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
• 1 spray (as needed) Cooking spray

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, whisking constantly, to create a roux.

Step 3

Gradually whisk in the low-fat milk, a little at a time, to ensure the mixture stays smooth. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.

Step 5

Slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, a handful at a time, until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 6

Coat a baking dish lightly with cooking spray. Combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce in the dish, mixing until the macaroni is evenly coated.

Step 7

Optional: For a golden crust, place the dish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

Step 8

Serve immediately and enjoy Mika's Low Fat Macaroni and Cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(956.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1856.8

Total Fat 65.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 36.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 161.1mg	0%
Sodium 2769.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 219.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.0g	0%
Total Sugars 33.6g
Protein 99.1g	0%

Vitamin D 290.0IU	0%
Calcium 1976.9mg	0%
Iron 9.5mg	0%
Potassium 950.7mg	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: 31.7%

Protein: 21.2%

Carbs: 47.1%