Yummy Low Fat Mac and Cheese
Indulge in comfort food guilt-free with this Yummy Low Fat Mac and Cheese recipe, perfect for health-conscious pasta lovers! Made with creamy low-fat sharp cheddar, a touch of low-fat cream cheese, and a luscious milk-based sauce thickened with cornstarch, this dish delivers all the rich, cheesy goodness you crave without the extra calories. Whole wheat elbow macaroni adds a wholesome touch, while Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder pack in bold flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, this lightened-up classic is ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. Serve it warm with a dash of paprika for a pop of color and extra flair, and enjoy a satisfying, healthier twist on mac and cheese!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 oz Elbow macaroni (whole wheat or regular)
- 2 cups Low-fat milk (1% or skim)
- 1.5 cups Low-fat sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp Low-fat cream cheese
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 0.5 cup Vegetable broth
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp Onion powder
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 0.25 tsp Paprika (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of the milk to form a slurry. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, heat the remaining milk and vegetable broth over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching.
Once the liquid is warmed through (but not boiling), slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese until melted and smooth.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese in small handfuls, stirring constantly to allow each addition to melt fully before adding more.
Mix in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and stir gently to coat all the pasta evenly.
Serve immediately, optionally garnished with a sprinkle of paprika for added color and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1694 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.3 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.9 g | 80% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 90 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 1947 mg | 85% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 220.3 g | 80% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.7 g | 35% | |
| Total Sugars | 33.4 g | ||
| Protein | 106.1 g | 212% | |
| Vitamin D | 7.2 mcg | 36% | |
| Calcium | 1923 mg | 148% | |
| Iron | 10.1 mg | 56% | |
| Potassium | 1664 mg | 35% | |
*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.
