Best 2 Skinny Macaroni And Cheese Recipes

Indulge in a guilt-free comfort food experience with our collection of skinny macaroni and cheese recipes. Say goodbye to the heavy, calorie-laden versions and embrace healthier alternatives that won't compromise on taste. From classic baked mac and cheese to lighter skillet variations, we've got you covered. Our recipes use wholesome ingredients like whole wheat or chickpea pasta, non-fat or low-fat milk, and reduced-fat cheese to create dishes that are both satisfying and nutritious. Discover the perfect balance of creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and flavorful add-ins like roasted vegetables, lean protein, and herbs. Whether you're a vegetarian, gluten-free, or simply looking for a healthier take on this classic dish, our skinny macaroni and cheese recipes offer something for everyone.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SKINNY CAULIFLOWER MACARONI AND CHEESE

Skinny Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese image

The savory version of having your cake and eating it too, this slimmed-down, super-creamy mac and cheese gets a veggie boost from 2 cups of cauliflower florets, which add wonderful flavor and texture.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories Entree

Time 55m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

8 cups water
2 cups chopped cauliflower florets
1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni (8 oz)
1 1/2 cups fat-free (skim) milk
3 tablespoons Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (8 oz)
1/2 cup Progresso™ Panko Italian style crispy bread crumbs
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Steps:

In 4-quart saucepan, heat water to boiling over medium heat. Add cauliflower and macaroni; cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until macaroni is tender. Drain; return to saucepan, and cover to keep warm.
Meanwhile, heat oven to 350°F. Spray 2-quart glass baking dish with cooking spray. In 2-quart saucepan, stir milk, flour, mustard, salt, black pepper and red pepper with whisk until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and thickens. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese until melted.
Add cheese sauce to cooked pasta mixture; mix well. Spoon into baking dish. In small bowl, mix bread crumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle over pasta mixture in baking dish. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until edges are bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 410, Carbohydrate 47 g, Cholesterol 45 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 3 g, Protein 19 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 670 mg, Sugar 5 g, TransFat 1/2 g

SKINNY MACARONI AND CHEESE

Skinny Macaroni and Cheese image

Looking for a low-fat, delicious-tasting, macaroni and cheese? Well I've got the one for you. This skinny one uses fat-free milk, making it a lot more wholesome than your normal mac 'n cheese!

Provided by readycooker

Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 14

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
4 cups water
1 ⅓ cups non-fat powdered milk
¾ cup butter
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons salt
9 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain.
Mix water and powdered milk together in a bowl; set aside.
Melt butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Add milk mixture, flour, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Stir until thick, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in Cheddar cheese until melted, 2 to 3 minutes more. Pour sauce over cooked macaroni and pour mixture into a 9x13-inch baking pan.
Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 337.6 calories, Carbohydrate 33.6 g, Cholesterol 47.6 mg, Fat 16.5 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 13.4 g, SaturatedFat 10.2 g, Sodium 588.6 mg, Sugar 7 g

Tips:

Use low-fat milk and cheese to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.
Add non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots to increase the nutritional value of the dish.
Use whole wheat or whole grain pasta to increase the fiber content of the dish.
Use a light roux to thicken the sauce instead of a heavy roux made with butter and flour.
Use a blend of cheeses to create a more complex flavor profile.
Season the macaroni and cheese with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices to taste.
Top the macaroni and cheese with a breadcrumb topping for a crispy texture.
Serve the macaroni and cheese immediately after baking, or store it in the refrigerator for later.

Conclusion:

Skinny macaroni and cheese is a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit individual tastes and preferences. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special occasion dish, skinny macaroni and cheese is sure to please.