A better kind of easy mac

Written by Lauren Graf   



A mac and cheese recipe, which tends to conjure up thoughts of fattening comfort food, may seem off-limits for Skinny in the City. But as you’ll see in this recipe, you can easily whip up a healthier, fiber-rich version of this meal that won’t break the calorie bank.

The keys to slashing empty calories? Go easier on ingredients like butter, oil, and flour (as many recipes call for), and add veggies to bulk up the nutrients and fiber. And by making your own version, you’ll consume far less sodium and other artificial additives than you would if you were making a version from a box.

Pair this dish with a green salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers drizzled with vinaigrette, and you’ve got a perfect comfort food meal for the warmer months.

Healthy Mac and Cheese

Total Time: 45 minutes

Serves: 6



Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta shells*
• 1 (15-ounce) can of butternut squash puree
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 cup of 1% lowfat milk
• 3 ounces of cheddar cheese, grated
• ½ cup grated part skim mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 2 cups cooked broccoli (fresh or frozen)

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to directions on box. Set aside.
2. In a medium sauce pan, heat the olive oil and add the squash and milk over medium heat. Add chopped bell pepper and onion. Stir often and cook the mixture until simmering.
3. Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses as well as the crushed red pepper, cumin, and mustard. Once cheese has melted, remove pan from heat.
4. Add the pasta to the cheese sauce and toss well. Mix in the broccoli at the end.

Nutrition Content:
Per serving (about  1½ cups): 380 calories, 10 g fat, 4.5 g saturated fat, 57 g carbohydrate, 5 g fiber, 18 g protein, 240 mg sodium, 310 mg calcium (31 % daily need)

*For an extra fiber boost, use whole wheat pasta.