Four Cheese Macaroni Low Fat Delicious
Indulge guilt-free with this irresistible Four Cheese Macaroni that's as creamy and flavorful as it is low in fat! This comforting dish features a luscious blend of low-fat sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and reduced-fat cream cheese, creating a silky sauce that's packed with cheesy goodness but lighter on calories. Whole wheat or regular elbow macaroni is cooked to al dente perfection and enveloped in a velvety homemade cheese sauce thickened with a simple roux and skim milk. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Sprinkled with optional paprika for a touch of color, this lighter take on classic mac and cheese proves you can have indulgence without compromise.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Elbow macaroni (whole wheat or regular)
- 1 cup Low-fat sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Low-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 2 tablespoons Reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups Skim milk
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon All-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Paprika (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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.
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in the skim milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens slightly (about 3-4 minutes).
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until it is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Add the shredded low-fat cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese to the saucepan, a handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt and ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring well to ensure every piece is coated in the creamy mixture.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a serving dish and sprinkle with paprika if desired for an extra pop of color.
Serve immediately and enjoy your low-fat but indulgent four-cheese macaroni!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
495 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.9 g | 19% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.0 g | 45% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 44 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 785 mg | 34% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 53.3 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.0 g | ||
| Protein | 33.2 g | 66% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.6 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 684 mg | 53% | |
| Iron | 2.6 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 398 mg | 8% | |
*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.
