Healthy Fast and Delicious Macaroni and Cheese with Vegetables
Indulge in the creamy comfort of "Healthy Fast and Delicious Macaroni and Cheese with Vegetables," a guilt-free twist on a classic favorite that's packed with flavor and nutrition. This wholesome recipe features fiber-rich whole-grain macaroni tossed with vibrant broccoli, sweet carrots, and tender peas, all coated in a luscious, homemade cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and a hint of Parmesan. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy one-pot dish is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a satisfying balance of indulgence and health. Seasoned with garlic powder and paprika for a subtle kick, it’s a family-friendly meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Serve it warm and enjoy a comforting bowl of macaroni and cheese that sneaks in a serving of vegetables without sacrificing deliciousness!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole-grain macaroni
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 large carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups low-fat milk
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoons paprika
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole-grain macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets, thinly sliced carrot, and frozen peas to the pot. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly, to create a roux.
Gradually pour in the low-fat milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the mixture thickens to a smooth sauce.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
Add the cooked macaroni and vegetables back into the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
Serve immediately while warm. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan or fresh herbs like parsley.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
545 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 24.2 g | 31% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.0 g | 75% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 73 mg | 24% | |
| Sodium | 674 mg | 29% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 60.4 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.4 g | 26% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.9 g | ||
| Protein | 27.3 g | 55% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 521 mg | 40% | |
| Iron | 3.4 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 353 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.
