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Healthy Mac and Cheese Recipe

This healthy mac and cheese recipe is a lighter version of the classic recipe with added fiber from spinach. It's comfort food at it's finest!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 261 kcal
Course: Lunch , Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni (wheat, whole wheat, high protein or gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup flour (or gluten-free flour mix)
  • 1/4 cup minced onion
  • 2 cups skim milk (use rice milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 8 ounces reduced-fat cheddar (for best results shred yourself. Use Violife for dairy-free)
  • kosher salt (and black pepper, to taste)
  • 4 cups baby spinach
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
  • 1/4 cup seasoned whole wheat bread crumbs
  • Olive oil spray

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Spray a baking dish with oil.
  2. Preheat oven to 375F.
  3. In a large, heavy skillet, melt butter. Add flour and cook over low heat stirring with a whisk.
  4. Add onion and cook another 2 minutes. Add milk and chicken broth and continue whisking, raising heat to medium-high until it comes to a boil and becomes smooth and thick. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Once it becomes thick, remove from heat, add cheese 1/4 cup at a time and mix well until cheese is melted. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, add cooked macaroni and baby spinach.
  6. Pour into baking dish. Top with grated cheese and breadcrumbs. Spray a little more oil on top.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, then broil for a few minutes to get the breadcrumbs golden.

Notes

  • See notes above for variations and tips.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1cup Calories 261kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 36.5g (12%) Protein 13g (26%) Fat 7.5g (12%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Cholesterol 20.5mg (7%) Sodium 277mg (12%) Fiber 5.5g (22%) Sugar 5g (10%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 261

% Daily Value*

Serving 1cup
Calories 261kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 36.5g 12%
Protein 13g 26%
Fat 7.5g 12%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 20.5mg 7%
Sodium 277mg 12%
Fiber 5.5g 22%
Sugar 5g 10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.