Low Calorie Mac and Cheese

Low-Calorie Mac and Cheese Recipe:

Narrator (Voiceover): “Welcome to the kitchen, where we’ll show you how to prepare a delicious and low-calorie version of the all-time favorite comfort food – Mac and Cheese! This recipe is a healthier twist on the classic, without compromising on flavor.”

Narrator (Voiceover): “Let’s start by gathering our ingredients. For this low-calorie mac and cheese, you’ll need whole wheat or chickpea pasta, low-fat milk, reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper (optional), salt, and pepper.”

Narrator (Voiceover): “Now, let’s get cooking!”

  1. “Cook the Pasta:
  • Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the whole wheat or chickpea pasta according to the package instructions.
  • Drain the pasta and set it aside.”
  1. “Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
  • In a separate saucepan, whisk together the low-fat milk and cornstarch until well combined.
  • Place the saucepan over medium heat and continue stirring until the mixture thickens.”
  1. “Add the Cheese and Seasonings:
  • Gradually add the reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese to the milk mixture, stirring constantly until it melts and forms a creamy sauce.
  • Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if desired), salt, and pepper, adjusting to taste.”

Narrator (Voiceover): “Now it’s time to bring everything together!”

  1. “Combine Pasta and Sauce:
  • Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, tossing it gently until every noodle is coated in the creamy goodness.”
  1. “Serve and Enjoy:
  • Dish out the low-calorie mac and cheese onto plates or bowls.
  • You can sprinkle a bit of extra shredded cheese on top if you like, but remember to keep it in moderation for a lower-calorie version.
  • Serve it hot and savor the deliciousness guilt-free!”

Narrator (Voiceover): “There you have it, a delightful and low-calorie twist on the classic Mac and Cheese. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, without the extra calories. Enjoy this guilt-free comfort food whenever the craving strikes! Happy cooking!”

FULL CALORIE MAC AND CHEESE:
For a mouthwatering Mac and Cheese that gives you the maximum cheesy flavor, this stovetop recipe delivers tender pasta in a luxuriously rich, smooth and creamy ‘tangy’ cheese sauce that’s beyond words. It’s no ordinary Mac and Cheese. So if you love Panera Bread’s signature Mac & Cheese, then try this homemade version. Mac and Cheese never tasted SO GOOD!

A quick and easy fuss-free stovetop recipe. This recipe mimics the expanding bakery/cafe chain’s using white cheddar and dry mustard for that distinctive tangy taste!

You can never go wrong with this seriously delicious recipe, especially with the kids. It’s a favorite good old-fashioned comfort food at its best that’ll have everyone at the table drooling over it. It’s Super-Yummy!

Tender pasta in a luxuriously rich, smooth and creamy ‘tangy’ cheese sauce. Yum!

HOW TO MAKE PANERA BREAD MAC & CHEESE

Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8


Ingredients:

  • 1/4 Cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 Cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 Cup milk (skim used in recipe)
  • 2 Cup heavy cream
  • 2 Cup shredded white cheddar (Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar used in recipe)
  • 1/2 Tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 Tsp black pepper
  • 1 Tsp dry mustard
  • 1 lb, pasta, cooked (cavatapppi, shells, or elbow)

Directions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions while making the sauce. Drain and set aside until ready to use.
  2. In a large pot on medium-high heat, add butter until melted. Whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute. Reduce heat to medium and add milk, heavy cream, salt, dry mustard, and pepper. Continue whisking until it begins to bubble. Reduce to low and add white cheddar. Stir until melted.
  3. Add cooked pasta, stirring until combined. Remove from heat and allow to sit about 5 minutes to thicken. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired. ENJOY.

Notes:

  1. To reheat leftovers (if any), add about 1/2 cup milk and cook on low on the stove top.

Want Another Great Recipe? Now Watch How To Make Honey Lemon Chicken Lettuce Wraps!