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Two brown bowls stacked with the top full of lighter creamy mac and cheese
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Lightened Up Mac & Cheese

Lighter Creamy Mac & Cheese ~ Creamy homemade Mac & Cheese lightened up but stacked with cheesiness!
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 536kcal
Author: Julie Evink

Ingredients

  • 3 c. shell macaroni
  • 2 Tbsp canola oil
  • 3 garlic cloves crushed
  • 2 1/4 c. unsalted chicken stock divided
  • 1/2 c. skim milk
  • 8 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 4 oz 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 3/4 c. extra-sharp cheddar cheese shredded

Instructions

  • Preheat broiler to high.
  • Cook pasta according to directions ommitting any salt and fat called for in directions. Drain and set aside.
  • Meanwhile heat skillet over medium heat. Add canola oil to pan, swirling to coat pan. Add garlic to pan and cook about 3 minutes until garlic is fragrant, but do not brown garlic. Stir frequently. Stir in 1 c. chicken stock and bring to a boil. Boil for 1 minutes.
  • In a mixing bowl combine the rest of the stock, milk and flour. Whisk until flour is dissolved. Add milk mixture to the garlic mixture in skillet. Stir with whisk and bring to a boil. Bowl for about 3 minutes or until mixture thickens. Remove from heat and add cream cheese, salt and pepper stirring until cream cheese is melted and mixture is smooth.
  • Add cheese mixture to pasta in saucepan stirring until coated. Let stand 5 minutes. Pour mixture into 2 quart baking dish coating with cooking spray. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top. Broil for 3-5 minutes or until cheese is melted and just starting brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 536kcal | Carbohydrates: 76g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 456mg | Potassium: 360mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 330IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 222mg | Iron: 1.8mg