Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist—'Mac N Cheese Ww' is a rich, creamy, and guilt-free version of the classic favorite. This Weight Watchers-inspired recipe features tender whole wheat macaroni coated in a luscious cheese sauce made with reduced-fat cheddar, unsweetened almond milk, and a touch of non-fat Greek yogurt for tangy creaminess. Flavored with garlic powder, onion powder, and Dijon mustard, it’s packed with savory depth while remaining low in calories and Weight Watchers points. For an extra touch, sprinkle with crispy panko breadcrumbs and bake until golden for a crunchy topping. Perfect for a cozy dinner or family-friendly meal, this wholesome dish is ready in just 30 minutes and sure to satisfy without the extra guilt!
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, pour the unsweetened almond milk and heat until just about to simmer. Do not let it boil.
Lower the heat to medium-low and whisk in the light cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the milk.
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan, stirring to combine.
Gradually stir in the reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, until it is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Remove the cheese sauce from heat and whisk in the Greek yogurt until the sauce is creamy and well blended.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl or directly in the same pot. Mix well to ensure all pasta is coated in the sauce.
If using breadcrumbs, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over the top, and lightly spray with olive oil. Bake for 10 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy.
Serve hot and enjoy your Weight Watchers-friendly mac and cheese!
Calories |
1561 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 55.5 g | 71% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.6 g | 128% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 136 mg | 45% | |
| Sodium | 2991 mg | 130% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 205.2 g | 75% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.9 g | 57% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.3 g | ||
| Protein | 80.6 g | 161% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.5 mcg | 22% | |
| Calcium | 2161 mg | 166% | |
| Iron | 11.3 mg | 63% | |
| Potassium | 1018 mg | 22% | |
*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.