Makeover Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this *Makeover Creamy Macaroni and Cheese*—a lighter take on the classic comfort food without sacrificing flavor. Featuring whole wheat elbow macaroni smothered in a velvety cheese sauce made with reduced-fat cheddar, Parmesan, and a secret ingredient—non-fat Greek yogurt—this dish strikes the perfect balance between rich indulgence and wholesome goodness. A touch of Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang, while optional smoked paprika makes for an eye-catching garnish. Ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe is a crowd-pleasing option for busy weeknights or cozy family meals. With high-protein, low-fat ingredients and a creamy texture that rivals the original, this upgraded macaroni and cheese is sure to satisfy cravings guilt-free!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Elbow macaroni, whole wheat
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2.5 cups Fat-free milk
- 2 cups Reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 cups Non-fat Greek yogurt, plain
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons Smoked paprika (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Slowly add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Remove the saucepan from heat and gently fold in the Greek yogurt. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine the drained macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring to coat all the pasta evenly.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a serving dish and sprinkle with smoked paprika, if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2619 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 86.2 g | 111% | |
| Saturated Fat | 48.0 g | 240% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 244 mg | 81% | |
| Sodium | 4915 mg | 214% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 307.2 g | 112% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.3 g | 76% | |
| Total Sugars | 40.9 g | ||
| Protein | 167.5 g | 335% | |
| Vitamin D | 7.9 mcg | 40% | |
| Calcium | 3048 mg | 234% | |
| Iron | 13.5 mg | 75% | |
| Potassium | 2269 mg | 48% | |
*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.
