Skinny Baked Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese
User Reviews
4.8
Skinny Baked Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese
Description
The dish starts by cooking pasta and broccoli together until just al dente. A roux of butter, minced onion, and flour cooks until golden, then skim milk and chicken broth are whisked in and brought to a boil to create a thickened sauce. Reduced-fat sharp cheddar is stirred in off the heat to melt smoothly. The seasoned sauce coats the cooked pasta and broccoli, and the mixture is transferred to a baking dish. It’s topped with grated Parmesan and seasoned breadcrumbs and a light spray of cooking oil. Baking at 375°F allows the flavors to meld and the topping to brown slightly. A brief broil crisps the breadcrumbs, adding a textured finish.
This lighter version of the classic mac and cheese includes broccoli for added nutrients and fiber without adding fat, suitable for a comforting yet moderated dish.
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow pasta high fiber, like Ronzoni Smart Taste
- 1 1/2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup onion minced
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cups milk skim
- 1 cup chicken broth vegetarians use vegetable broth, fat free
- 8 oz cheddar cheese 2 cups reduced-fat sharp, Cabot 50%
- salt fresh, to taste
- black pepper fresh, to taste
- 12 oz broccoli I used pre-cut bag, fresh florets
- 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Cook pasta and broccoli together in a large pot of salted water, according to package directions for al dente (or slightly under cook 2 minutes). Spray a baking dish with cooking spray.
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large, heavy skillet, melt butter. Add onion and cook over low heat about 2 minutes, add flour and cook another minute, or until the flour is golden and well combined. Add milk and chicken broth and whisk, raising heat to medium-high until it comes to a boil; cook about 5 minutes or until the sauce becomes smooth and thick. Season with salt and pepper.
- Once the sauce is thick, remove from heat, add cheese and mix well until cheese is melted. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, add cooked macaroni and broccoli and mix well. Pour into prepared baking dish. Top with grated cheese and breadcrumbs. Spray a little more cooking spray on top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, then broil for a few minutes to get the breadcrumbs golden.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 315 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1cup | |
| Calories | 315kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 44g | 15% |
| Protein | 18g | 36% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 1.4g | 7% |
| Cholesterol | 7mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 216mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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