Low Fat Macaroni and Cheese with Peas
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food makeover with this Low Fat Macaroni and Cheese with Peas! This creamy, guilt-free twist on a classic favorite features hearty whole wheat elbow macaroni, sweet bursts of tender green peas, and a luscious cheese sauce made with a blend of reduced-fat cheddar, Parmesan, and low-fat cream cheese. Lightened with low-fat milk and thickened naturally with flour, this dish delivers all the velvety richness of traditional mac and cheese—without the heavy calories. A hint of Dijon mustard and garlic powder adds depth, while the simplicity of a 30-minute prep makes it a quick and wholesome weeknight meal. Perfect as a cozy main dish or a satisfying side, this recipe is both family-friendly and nutrition-packed.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole wheat elbow macaroni
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1.5 cups low-fat milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons low-fat cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, until al dente. About 4 minutes before the pasta is done, add the frozen peas to the pot. Once cooked, drain the pasta and peas and set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the low-fat milk and all-purpose flour. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and low-fat cream cheese to the milk mixture. Stir until all the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.
Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Add the cooked macaroni and peas to the cheese sauce, stirring gently until everything is well coated in the sauce.
Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the macaroni is heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, low-fat macaroni and cheese with peas!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1766 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 57.9 g | 74% | |
| Saturated Fat | 31.4 g | 157% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 139 mg | 46% | |
| Sodium | 2868 mg | 125% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 228.4 g | 83% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.5 g | 80% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.2 g | ||
| Protein | 102.3 g | 205% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.7 mcg | 23% | |
| Calcium | 1893 mg | 146% | |
| Iron | 11.5 mg | 64% | |
| Potassium | 1164 mg | 25% | |
*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.
