Healthy Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the creamy, dreamy goodness of this Healthy Mac and Cheese! This guilt-free version combines whole wheat pasta with a velvety cauliflower cheese sauce, delivering all the comfort of the classic dish without compromising on flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or game nights, this nutritious recipe is sure to wow your family and friends while keeping health in mind.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz whole wheat elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cauliflower florets (steamed)
- 1 cup low-fat sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Steam the cauliflower florets until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- In a blender, combine steamed cauliflower, almond milk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a pot over low heat and gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
- Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until well coated.
- For a crispy topping, transfer to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Feel free to substitute regular pasta with gluten-free options or add vegetables like spinach for extra nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat with a splash of milk for creaminess.