Healthy Mac and Cheese

Healthy Mac and Cheese

Easy Healthy Mac and Cheese recipe swaps out copious amounts of heavy dairy for lightened up options. It's easy to make in 15 minutes in one pot.

Ingredients

  • whole wheat elbow macaroni

    uncooked

    3 c
  • vegetable or chicken broth

    low sodium

    3 c
  • whole milk
    1 c
  • butter

    salted

    2 tbsp
  • garlic powder
    ¼ tsp
  • mustard

    condiment

    ¼ tsp
  • salt
    ¾ tsp
  • ground black pepper
    to taste
  • marble or cheddar cheese

    shredded

    1 c
  • parmesan cheese

    shredded

    ¼ c

Directions

  1. 1

    In a medium pot, add broth, milk, butter, garlic powder, mustard, salt, ground black pepper and bring to a boil.

  2. 2

    Add elbow macaroni and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. Cook until al dente or desired firmness and adding more milk or broth if you wish.

  3. 3

    Turn off heat. Add marble cheese and Parmesan cheese in portions and stir between each until melted. That's it.

  4. 4

    Serve immediately as mac and cheese tastes best fresh. Saucy, creamy and so comforting!

  5. 5

    Top with your favorite hot sauce, everything bagel, Montreal steak spice, paprika, nutmeg, soy sauce and even honey. Or with leftover chopped baked bacon. I like to bake mine at 425 degrees F for 20 minutes. Way less mess.

Healthy Mac and Cheese

Healthy Mac and Cheese

405 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving the ultimate comfort food but looking for a lighter option? This Healthy Mac and Cheese recipe delivers all the creamy, cheesy goodness you love, lightened up for a wholesome family dinner.

What makes this mac and cheese truly special is its clever approach to classic comfort. By swapping copious amounts of heavy dairy for a blend of low-sodium broth and whole milk, you get a deeply flavorful dish without the guilt. It’s an easy-to-make, one-pot wonder designed to bring you delicious results with minimal effort.

Prepare for a bowl of pure comfort that feels indulgent yet surprisingly light. The whole wheat elbow macaroni is cooked right in a savory broth, allowing it to absorb layers of flavor before being tossed with rich, melted marble or cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. You'll find it creamy and satisfying, with a perfectly balanced cheesy tang that isn't overwhelmingly heavy. This recipe proves that healthy eating doesn't mean sacrificing your favorite comforting dinners, all while keeping a sensible calorie count at 405 per serving.

Customization & Variations

While this recipe shines as is, it's also incredibly adaptable. You can easily swap vegetable broth for chicken broth based on your preference or what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends—a sharper cheddar can add more punch, or a mix of Colby Jack can increase the melt and creaminess. For an extra layer of flavor, a pinch of smoked paprika could be added along with the garlic powder.

Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this Healthy Mac and Cheese is a satisfying meal on its own. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some steamed vegetables for a well-rounded and delightful meal that will satisfy the whole family.

Frequently Asked Questions