Description
Indulge in a bowl of Healthy Mac and Cheese, where creamy goodness meets wholesome ingredients. This dish combines whole grain elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar, and vibrant veggies like spinach or broccoli for an irresistible flavor boost. Perfect for family dinners or impressing friends, this recipe offers the comforting taste of classic mac and cheese while keeping health in mind. With easy preparation and delicious results, you’ll enjoy every guilt-free bite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (whole grain)
- 2 cups low-fat milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup fresh or frozen spinach (chopped)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine low-fat milk and Greek yogurt. Stir until warmed, then gradually add grated cheddar cheese until melted.
- Stir in chopped spinach until tender (about 3-5 minutes).
- Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer mac and cheese to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and paprika, then bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For a vegan version, substitute regular cheese with plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast. Enhance flavor by adding spices such as garlic powder or mixing in other veggies like broccoli or cauliflower.