Light and Easy Mac and Cheese

I love healthier meals and side dishes and this looked perfect!   It was delicious!  My family really enjoyed it

LIGHT AND EASY MAC AND CHEESE

14 oz uncooked pasta, gemelli or other twisted pasta
1/8 tsp table salt, for pasta cooking water
10 oz broccoli, small florets (about 2 1/2 cups)
1 tsp butter
1/3 cup(s) fresh bread crumbs
3 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 1/2 cup(s) fat-free skim milk
1/3 cup(s) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup(s) onion(s), diced (optional)
1 cup(s) low-fat shredded cheddar cheese, sharp-variety
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tsp table salt
1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

Preheat oven to 375ºF. Coat a shallow 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
Cook pasta in a large pot of lightly salted boiling water according to package directions, adding broccoli to water 3 minutes before pasta will be done; drain pasta and broccoli and return to pot.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; add bread crumbs and cook, stirring often, until light golden, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer crumbs to a small bowl; stir in 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese and set aside.
In same saucepan (wipe clean if necessary), whisk together milk and flour until blended; add onion. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking frequently. Reduce heat to low and simmer until thickened, about 2 minutes.Remove from heat and whisk in cheddar cheese, mustard, salt, pepper and remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. Pour over cooked, drained pasta and broccoli; toss to mix and coat.Transfer to a baking dish and sprinkle top evenly with bread crumbs. Bake until bubbly at edges, about 20 to 25 minutes. Divide into 8 pieces and serve. Yields 1 piece per serving.

Enjoy!

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Comments

  1. Fresh Garden

    Delightful! Awesome!

  2. Bargain GAB

    That looks really yummy! I love to make homemade mac and cheese but it's always so fattening! This looks like it might stand a chance. On another note I've only been a follower of your blog for four days and I've already made three of your recipes. I LOVE your blog!

  3. Jane

    This looks delicious! Yum! I might actually make this more often too.

    Stopping by from Think Pink Sundays!

  4. Elizabeth Hornback

    Think I will make this one for my little girl this afternoon :)