Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Light Tasty Mac & Cheese

Yes, that's right, I said LIGHT mac & cheese. Who doesn't love this food? But it can be REALLY bad for you so I'm always looking for healthier ways to make it.

Adapted from Gina's Skinny Recipes

Ingredients:
• 16 oz elbow pasta
• 2 tbsp light butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 cup minced onion (or onion powder)
• 2 cups skim milk
• 1 cup fat free chicken broth
• 8 oz low fat mild cheddar cheese
• salt and pepper (I suggest lots for flavor)
• 4 cups frozen chopped spinach, thawed
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• non-stick cooking spray

Scroll down for the instructions...

Cook pasta in salted water according to directions on box.

Spray a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Preheat oven to 375°.

In a large skillet, melt butter. Add flour and cook over low heat stirring with a whisk.

Add onion and cook another 2 minutes.

Add milk and chicken broth and continue whisking for 2-3 minutes, until smooth and thicker.

Season with salt and pepper and remove from heat. Add cheddar cheese and mix well until cheese is melted. Add cooked macaroni and baby spinach.

Pour mixture into baking dish. Top with grated cheese and breadcrumbs.

Bake for about 30 minutes or until breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Pig out!

16 comments :

  1. This looks delicious!, and fairly easy, my favorite combo! I love mac and cheese too, this looks like a low-fat version that is tasty!

    Carlee
    www.ladybirdln.com

    Found you at a little birdie told me!

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  2. I'll trade you a glass of Blackberry Mint Tea for a nice BIG bowl of your Mac and Cheese. I'm making a note on this one. I've got to try it.

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  3. I like the idea of the lower fat version! Sometimes you just have to have something rich and delicious and this would certainly satisfy!

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  4. OH my gosh! I love mac and cheese and this looks absolutely wonderful! I am definitely going to have to try out this recipe! I had fun taking a look around your blog! Thanks for your comment on my blog! I am your newest follower and would love it if you would follow me too! Thanks!
    -Nikki
    http://chef-n-training.blogspot.com/

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  5. I LOVE mac and cheese and don't often make it but will try this recipe out for sure! Thank you.

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  6. I love me some mac and cheese and this look really goood. Buuuuut, you know I'm probably gonna leave out the spinich. I just can't bring myself to do it. I want to be like you - eating all the good veggies- when i grow up!

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  7. Lisa- That mac n cheese looks delicious. I love Gina's skinny recipes :) I bet the spinach in there is great. I wanted to invite you to share your mac recipe at These Chicks Cooked Recipe Spotlight today. Have a blessed day :)
    Katie

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  8. yummy! good job! Have a lovely day! Maria http://caribbeanmissionarywife.blogspot.com

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  9. This looks so good! I think using the "light" ingredients in a dish like Mac and Cheese would keep the "oil slick" that you sometimes get with this dish, down to a bare minimum. (if at all) I'm definitely gonna have to give it a try!

    Thanks for stopping by! I'm newly following from the Wednesday Hop!

    ~Mrs B

    PS: The denim baby bib is adorable! So is the little cutie wearing it!

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  10. That looks divine! Yummy:) thanks for stopping by our blog today and your sweet comments!

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  11. I've been looking for a lower fat option for homemade mac & cheese! Can't wait to try this!

    We are you newest followers! Come check us out!
    www.sixsistersstuff.blogspot.com

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  12. We'd love for you to come link up at THIS WEEK'S CRAVINGS "Summer BBQ Dishes". Please come on over and share wonderful recipe!

    http://momscrazycooking.blogspot.com/2011/05/this-weeks-cravings-linky-party-31.html

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  13. Hi!!!
    really like your blog!!
    I also posted my first Italian recipe!
    if you want to check it out.
    http://www.mominrome.com/?p=829

    new follower!

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  14. Wow, this look super yummy! Who knew mac & cheese could be lite :)

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  15. Wonderful! I love this lighter, healthier take on Mac & Cheese and the nutritional boost from the spinach!

    I definitely appreciate having a taste of the "lighter side" on "A Little Birdie Told Me.."!

    Jenn

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  16. this is a absolute must do... my fam and i LOVE us our mac and cheese but it's so heavy. thanks for this my friend!

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