Almost Non Fat Mac and Cheese
Indulge in creamy comfort without the guilt with this Almost Non-Fat Mac and Cheese—a lightened-up twist on the classic dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Made with tender elbow macaroni, a velvety sauce of skim milk, low-fat cheeses, and a touch of Dijon mustard, this recipe delivers all the cheesy goodness you crave while keeping it healthy. Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a crowd-pleasing side dish. Gluten-free and whole wheat pasta options make it versatile for any diet, while a hint of garlic and onion powder enhances the savory profile. Garnish with paprika for a pop of color, and enjoy a wholesome meal that feels like an indulgence!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 oz Elbow macaroni (whole wheat or gluten-free, if preferred)
- 2 cups Skim milk
- 1.5 cups Low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup Low-fat cottage cheese
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Paprika (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, approximately 7-9 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the skim milk, low-fat cottage cheese, cornstarch, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Pour the blended mixture into a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat, whisking constantly. Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes, or until it begins to bubble and thicken.
Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded low-fat cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in the saucepan, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
Serve immediately, either plain or with a light sprinkle of paprika for added color and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1103 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 20.2 g | 26% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.9 g | 55% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 88 mg | 29% | |
| Sodium | 4264 mg | 185% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 110.1 g | 40% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.6 g | 27% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.7 g | ||
| Protein | 95.0 g | 190% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.4 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 2005 mg | 154% | |
| Iron | 3.9 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 1282 mg | 27% | |
*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.
