Low Sodium Chick-fil-A Inspired Mac n Cheese
Indulge in the comforting flavors of everyone's favorite fast-food mac n cheese with a heart-healthy twist! This Low Sodium Chick-fil-A Inspired Mac n Cheese combines velvety layers of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses with a rich cream-based sauce, all while keeping your sodium intake in check. Featuring unsalted butter, low sodium cheeses, and a touch of black pepper, mustard powder, and paprika for added depth, this recipe delivers the same indulgent creaminess without compromising your dietary goals. Perfectly baked to create a golden, bubbly topping, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Ready in just 40 minutes, it's a savory comfort food masterpiece that’s both guilt-free and delicious!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2 cups 2% milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 2 cups Low sodium cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Low sodium mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Low sodium Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground mustard powder
- 0.25 teaspoon Paprika
Instructions
Bring a large pot of unsalted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the 2% milk and heavy cream, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 3-5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
Add the black pepper, mustard powder, and paprika to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine.
Remove the sauce from the heat and pour over the drained macaroni. Stir gently to coat the pasta thoroughly.
Transfer the mac n cheese to a lightly greased baking dish. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra cheddar cheese on top.
Place the dish in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your low sodium mac n cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4530 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 293.4 g | 376% | |
| Saturated Fat | 179.9 g | 900% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 882 mg | 294% | |
| Sodium | 1641 mg | 71% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 236.4 g | 86% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.5 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 30.3 g | ||
| Protein | 221.3 g | 443% | |
| Vitamin D | 8.6 mcg | 43% | |
| Calcium | 5642 mg | 434% | |
| Iron | 12.2 mg | 68% | |
| Potassium | 547 mg | 12% | |
*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.
