Heart-Healthy Chick-fil-A Inspired Mac n Cheese
Satisfy your comfort food cravings without compromising your health with this **Heart-Healthy Chick-fil-A Inspired Mac n Cheese**! This wholesome twist on the iconic dish combines the creamy, cheesy goodness you love with nutritious upgrades like whole grain elbow macaroni and sneaky cauliflower florets for added fiber and flavor. A luscious sauce made with low-fat milk, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan blends seamlessly with hints of garlic, onion, and a touch of nutmeg for an irresistible depth of flavor. Ready in just over 40 minutes, this guilt-free recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep and delivers all the indulgence of classic mac ‘n cheese with a heart-smart spin. Try it today for a healthier take on your favorite comfort food!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Whole grain elbow macaroni
- 1 cup Cauliflower florets
- 2 cups Low-fat milk
- 1.5 cups Low-fat sharp cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 pinch Nutmeg
- 0.25 teaspoon Fresh ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole grain elbow macaroni and cauliflower florets, cooking until the pasta is al dente and the cauliflower is tender, about 8-10 minutes.
Drain the pasta and cauliflower mixture and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to form a paste-like roux. Cook for about 1 minute without letting it brown.
Gradually whisk in the low-fat milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk until the sauce begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and add the low-fat sharp cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt. Adjust seasoning to taste, if necessary.
Add the cooked pasta and cauliflower to the cheese sauce, stirring until everything is well combined and evenly coated with the sauce.
Serve hot, garnished with a small sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2582 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 88.6 g | 114% | |
| Saturated Fat | 39.0 g | 195% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 207 mg | 69% | |
| Sodium | 4109 mg | 179% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 220.3 g | 80% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.4 g | 98% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.2 g | ||
| Protein | 243.9 g | 488% | |
| Vitamin D | 7.0 mcg | 35% | |
| Calcium | 3722 mg | 286% | |
| Iron | 10.0 mg | 56% | |
| Potassium | 1362 mg | 29% | |
*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.
