Healthy Macaroni Cheese

This lower calorie recipe is perfect if you’re craving macaroni and cheese but don’t want to waste a days worth of calories in one meal. You still get that same comforting taste, with a little less guilt. Find out how to make a healthy lower calorie version of macaroni cheese.

 

Lower Calorie Baked Broccoli Macaroni & Cheese

Ingredients:

• 12 oz high fibre pasta
• 1 1/2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup minced onion
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups skim milk
• 1 cup fat free chicken broth (vegetarians use vegetable broth)
• 8 oz (2 cups) reduced-fat sharp cheddar
• salt and fresh pepper to taste
• 12 oz fresh broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan
• 1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• cooking spray

Method

1. 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).
2. Spray a baking dish with cooking spray.
3. Preheat oven to 375°.
4. In a large pan, 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.
5. 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.
6. Once the sauce is thick, remove from heat, add cheese and mix well until cheese is melted.
7. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, add cooked macaroni and broccoli and mix well.
8. Pour into prepared baking dish.
9. Top with grated cheese and breadcrumbs. Spray a little more cooking spray on top.
10. Bake for 15 – 20 minutes, then pop it under the grill for a few
    minutes to get the breadcrumbs golden.

Serves 8 – Serving Size: 1 cup – Nutrition Per Serving
Calories: 315, Fat: 9g, Protein: 17g, Carbohydrate: 44g, Fibre: 6g, Sugar: 4g