Almost Non Fat Mac and Cheese

Indulge in creamy comfort without the guilt with this Almost Non-Fat Mac and Cheese—a lightened-up twist on the classic dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Made with tender elbow macaroni, a velvety sauce of skim milk, low-fat cheeses, and a touch of Dijon mustard, this recipe delivers all the cheesy goodness you crave while keeping it healthy. Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a crowd-pleasing side dish. Gluten-free and whole wheat pasta options make it versatile for any diet, while a hint of garlic and onion powder enhances the savory profile. Garnish with paprika for a pop of color, and enjoy a wholesome meal that feels like an indulgence!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 oz Elbow macaroni (whole wheat or gluten-free, if preferred)
• 2 cups Skim milk
• 1.5 cups Low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup Low-fat cottage cheese
• 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Paprika (optional, for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, approximately 7-9 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the skim milk, low-fat cottage cheese, cornstarch, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 3

Pour the blended mixture into a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat, whisking constantly. Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes, or until it begins to bubble and thicken.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded low-fat cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in the saucepan, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.

Step 6

Serve immediately, either plain or with a light sprinkle of paprika for added color and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1023.7 grams (1023.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1103

Total Fat 20.20g	26%
Saturated Fat 10.90g	55%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g
Cholesterol 88mg	29%
Sodium 4264mg	185%
Total Carbohydrate 110.10g	40%
Dietary Fiber 7.60g	27%
Total Sugars 31.70g
Protein 95.00g	190%

Vitamin D 215IU	1074%
Calcium 2005mg	154%
Iron 4mg	22%
Potassium 1282mg	27%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 18.1%

Protein: 37.9%

Carbs: 43.9%