Healthy Mac & Cheese
Healthy Mac & Cheese is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food that combines creamy goodness with nutritious ingredients. This guilt-free recipe features whole wheat pasta enveloped in a luscious sauce made from low-fat cheddar cheese, Greek yogurt, and almond milk. It’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in when you want to indulge without the extra calories. With customizable options for adding veggies or proteins, this dish promises to impress even the pickiest eaters while keeping health in mind.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling/Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz whole wheat rotini pasta
- 1 cup low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the whole wheat pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, following package directions.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine almond milk and Greek yogurt until warm but not boiling. Gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add garlic powder and mustard powder while stirring continuously. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta, folding gently until every piece is coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: - For added nutrition, consider mixing in steamed vegetables such as broccoli or spinach. - To enhance flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite herbs.