Low Fat Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food made lighter with this creamy and satisfying Low Fat Mac and Cheese. This guilt-free version features tender elbow macaroni coated in a velvety sauce made with low-fat milk, reduced-fat cheddar cheese, and a touch of tangy Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. The secret to its silky texture? A quick cornstarch-based roux that thickens the sauce without the need for heavy cream or butter. Seasoned with Dijon mustard, paprika, and garlic powder, this dish delivers a burst of flavor while staying under the radar in terms of calories. Ready in just 30 minutes, it makes the perfect weeknight dinner or side dish. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color, and enjoy this healthier take on a classic comfort food favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Elbow macaroni
- 2 cups Low-fat milk
- 1.5 cups Reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.5 cup Low-fat Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Optional parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the low-fat milk and cornstarch until smooth. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture starts to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
Once the milk mixture thickens, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Dijon mustard, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Gradually add the shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese to the saucepan, stirring constantly, until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Remove the cheese sauce from the heat and gently fold in the low-fat Greek yogurt until combined. Ensure the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
Serve the low-fat mac and cheese immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
432 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 12.1 g | 16% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.4 g | 32% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 36 mg | 12% | |
| Sodium | 613 mg | 27% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 56.7 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.1 g | ||
| Protein | 25.5 g | 51% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.8 mcg | 9% | |
| Calcium | 493 mg | 38% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 154 mg | 3% | |
*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.
