Slimmed Down Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in a comforting classic without the guilt with this Slimmed Down Macaroni and Cheese! Made with whole wheat elbow macaroni and a rich, velvety sauce featuring low-fat shredded cheddar, creamy Greek yogurt, and a touch of Dijon mustard, this recipe delivers all the cheesy, savory goodness you crave in a healthier package. A lightened-up roux thickened with 2% or skim milk ensures a luscious texture while garlic and onion powders enhance the flavor. For an optional finishing touch, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top and broil until golden for added crunch. Ready in just 30 minutes, this wholesome twist on mac and cheese is perfect for busy weeknights and serves up to four. Try this nutritious, crowd-pleasing comfort food today!

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
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups low-fat milk (2% or skim)
• 1.5 cups low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup Greek yogurt (plain, non-fat)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook the whole wheat elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, melt the unsalted butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.

Step 3

Whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the low-fat milk, starting with a few tablespoons at a time and then adding the rest slowly. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded low-fat cheddar cheese, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat evenly.

Step 7

If desired, transfer the macaroni and cheese to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top, and broil on high for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.

Step 8

Serve immediately and enjoy your Slimmed Down Macaroni and Cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(935.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1768.1

Total Fat 37.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 110.0mg	0%
Sodium 4109.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 226.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.3g	0%
Total Sugars 28.4g
Protein 116.1g	0%

Vitamin D 180IU	0%
Calcium 1828.4mg	0%
Iron 10.1mg	0%
Potassium 1560.5mg	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: 19.7%

Protein: 27.2%

Carbs: 53.1%