Heart-Healthy Classic Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge guilt-free with this *Heart-Healthy Classic Creamy Macaroni and Cheese*, a wholesome twist on everyone's favorite comfort food! Made with high-fiber whole grain macaroni, a rich and velvety cheese sauce crafted from low-fat cheddar, unsweetened almond milk, and protein-packed Greek yogurt, this recipe delivers all the creamy goodness you crave without the extra calories or saturated fat. A touch of Dijon mustard and aromatic seasonings like garlic and onion powder enhance the flavor, while a simple olive oil roux binds it all together. Ready in just 40 minutes, this dish is perfect as a satisfying main course or an elevated side dish. Treat your tastebuds and your heart to this healthier take on an iconic classic!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz whole grain macaroni
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp whole wheat flour
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1.5 cups low-fat cheddar cheese
- 1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- 0.25 tsp ground black pepper
- 0.25 tsp salt
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt, if desired, and cook the whole grain macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil and allow it to warm up slightly.
Sprinkle the whole wheat flour over the warmed olive oil, whisking continuously for about 1 minute to form a smooth paste. This step creates a roux to thicken the sauce.
Gradually whisk in the unsweetened almond milk, ensuring there are no lumps, and cook for approximately 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Reduce the heat to low and add in the low-fat cheddar cheese a little at a time, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Stir in the low-fat Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt until all the ingredients are well combined and the sauce is creamy.
Add the cooked macaroni back into the pot, mix well to ensure all pasta is coated with the sauce.
Continue to cook over low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes until the macaroni is heated through.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
Serve immediately as a main course or side dish, and enjoy a heart-healthy version of the classic creamy macaroni and cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2137 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 62.3 g | 80% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.8 g | 89% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 89 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 2155 mg | 94% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 303.7 g | 110% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 29.0 g | 104% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.4 g | ||
| Protein | 111.7 g | 223% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.6 mcg | 33% | |
| Calcium | 2367 mg | 182% | |
| Iron | 15.0 mg | 83% | |
| Potassium | 1598 mg | 34% | |
*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.
