Adding finely chopped vegetables to your favorite pasta sauce recipe is an innovative approach to increasing your children’s vegetable intake.
Why You’ll Love This RecipeIngredients NeededRecipe Variations How to Make Healthy Mac & CheeseBrittany’s TipsSavoring a creamy macaroni and cheese dish doesn’t have to compromise your dietary goals? Simply substitute whole wheat pasta for regular macaroni, choose low-fat milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond or soy milk, and opt for reduced-fat cheddar cheese. You can also add in some steamed broccoli florets on the side to boost the nutritional value of this comfort food classic.How to StoreFrequently Asked QuestionsMore Pasta Recipes to Try
Since macaroni and cheese was a childhood staple that I cherished growing up and continue to enjoy with my own kids.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A healthier take on the comfort food classic, this macaroni and cheese dish reduces the rich ingredients without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
- While this recipe may appear lighter, its rich and satisfying qualities – creamy, cheesy, and utterly fulfilling – will undoubtedly meet your mac and cheese desires.
- In just under 30 minutes, this recipe can be prepared and served. It’s perfect for busy weeknights!
- – My kiddos gobbled up this mac & cheese, so I know yours will too!
Ingredients Needed
- Feel free to substitute with your preferred pasta variety for this recipe. Consider substituting traditional pasta with chickpea pasta to boost the protein content of this dish? With its consistency in delivering mouthwatering results, I’ve repeatedly prepared this recipe using chickpea pasta to achieve delectable outcomes each time.
- And what’s more, it’s a fantastic strategy to encourage your little ones to enjoy more veggies!
- You may substitute unsweetened almond milk with regular milk to suit your taste preferences.
- just one cheese wedge. Aisle three at most supermarkets typically stocks a wide variety of cheeses for customers to browse and purchase.
- Using pre-shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese saves me time, though feel free to opt for a block and shred it yourself if you prefer.
Recipe Variations
- While I enjoy utilizing legume-based pasta as a reliable gluten-free alternative to boost nutritional value, feel free to select any pasta variety that suits your taste buds. Choose from a variety of pasta shapes, such as shells, penne, or classic elbow macaroni, to suit your taste and preference.
- If desired, substitute with 1 tablespoon of cream cheese (dairy or non-dairy alternative).
- Don’t like spinach or broccoli, then. Experiment with various vegetables! Here’s a great opportunity to showcase your culinary creativity! Zucchini, kale, mushrooms, and bell peppers are just the starting point – imagine the flavorful medley you could create with these fresh ingredients. For a twist on traditional mac and cheese, consider trying my butternut squash mac and cheese recipe, which cleverly incorporates roasted butternut squash into the creamy pasta dish.
- Why don’t you consider whipping up a delectable vegan mac and cheese dish instead?
- Why don’t you try my indulgent baked cauliflower mac and cheese recipe for a creamy twist on the classic comfort food?
- Why not give our oven-baked macaroni and cheese a try? Crafted with almond meal as a substitute for breadcrumbs and featuring reduced dairy content.
How to Make Healthy Mac & Cheese
Veggie-infused macaroni and cheese simplicity reigns supreme in this effortless recipe. Let’s dive into the steps and start cooking!
Bringing a substantial quantity of water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta, returning the mixture to a boil before cooking for a total of 8 minutes or until the pasta reaches an al dente texture.
At the four-minute mark, incorporate the broccoli florets into your dish to ensure optimal texture and flavor synergy.
Drain the pasta and broccoli.
Whisk together butter, milk, salt, and pepper in a saucepan over low to medium heat. Once the butter has fully melted, combine the cooked pasta, steaming hot broccoli, crumbled cheese wedge, and generous sprinkles of shredded cheese. Allow the cheese to melt for approximately 30 seconds. Combine all ingredients thoroughly to ensure even coverage of the pasta by the rich cheese sauce.
Effortlessly combine the chopped baby spinach, gently tossing to allow its delicate flavor and texture to meld with the dish as it wilts into a harmonious union.
Serve immediately, garnished with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Brittany’s Tips
- Precise cutting of broccoli florets into diminutive, palatable fragments enables a harmonious integration with the pasta, creating a visually appealing and flavorful dish. By incorporating these ingredients into your boiling pasta, they simultaneously aid in cooking efficiently and consistently.
- As the cheese melts gradually over low heat, stir frequently to achieve a silky, creamy consistency in your sauce.
Savoring a creamy macaroni and cheese dish doesn’t have to compromise your dietary goals? Simply substitute whole wheat pasta for regular macaroni, choose low-fat milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond or soy milk, and opt for reduced-fat cheddar cheese. You can also add in some steamed broccoli florets on the side to boost the nutritional value of this comfort food classic.
This rich and satisfying macaroni and cheese can stand alone as a filling meal, but for added protein, consider complementing it with a simple option like roasted chickpeas, baked tofu, pan-seared salmon, or grilled shrimp or chicken – such as my popular grilled apple cider vinegar chicken or classic grilled chicken.
Savor the flavors of your main course with a harmonious accompaniment: simply pair it with roasted Brussels sprouts or a crisp side salad, elevating the overall culinary experience with an abundance of nutritious veggies. Consider trying one of our signature salads: the garlicky kale salad, a quick and easy spinach salad, or a classic caprese salad for a taste of Italy.
How to Store
Stored properly, any leftover food will remain fresh and safe to consume for 4-5 days when refrigerated at a consistent temperature below 40°F (4°C), within an airtight container. Reheat leftover macaroni and cheese by placing it in a saucepan over medium-low heat, whisking frequently to ensure even warming without burning. Add a small amount of milk or water as needed to achieve the desired consistency. If you’re pressed for time, you can quickly reheat this dish in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! While cheddar remains a timeless favourite, feel free to mix things up with an array of cheeses, including white cheddar, Gouda, Monterey Jack, or a carefully curated blend of your preferred varieties. I’ll occasionally incorporate shredded Parmesan into the blend for an enhanced depth of taste.
Yes! Having successfully prepared this dish numerous times using chickpea pasta, I can confidently attest to its reliability and consistency. Adding extra protein boosts the nutritional value of this recipe, making it an excellent option for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals alike.
More Pasta Recipes to Try
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