Creamy, Light Macaroni and Cheese

Health score
32%
Creamy, Light Macaroni and Cheese
85 min.
8
417kcal

Suggestions


Are you ready to elevate your comfort food game? This Creamy, Light Macaroni and Cheese is not just your average cheesy dish; it’s a delightful twist that combines the rich flavors of butternut squash with the classic taste of macaroni and cheese. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish, this recipe serves up to eight people, making it ideal for family gatherings or cozy get-togethers with friends.

In just 85 minutes, you can whip up a dish that is both satisfying and nutritious, with only 417 calories per serving. The secret to its creaminess lies in the blend of fat-free milk, Greek yogurt, and a medley of cheeses, including Gruyère and pecorino Romano. Plus, the addition of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a burst of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

What’s more, this recipe is a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing! The butternut squash not only enhances the creaminess but also provides a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the savory elements of the dish. So, whether you’re looking for a comforting main course or a delicious side, this Creamy, Light Macaroni and Cheese is sure to impress and satisfy your cravings!

Ingredients

  • 0.5 teaspoon pepper black freshly ground
  • cups butternut squash cubed peeled ( 1 [1-pound] squash)
  • pound pasta uncooked
  • 1.5 cups skim milk fat-free
  • tablespoons parsley fresh chopped
  •  garlic clove peeled
  • tablespoons greek yogurt plain fat-free
  • ounces gruyere cheese shredded
  • teaspoon kosher salt 
  • 1.3 cups beef broth fat-free
  • teaspoon olive oil 
  • 0.5 cup panko bread crumbs (Japanese breadcrumbs)
  • ounce parmesan fresh divided finely grated
  • ounces pecorino cheese grated

Equipment

  • bowl
  • frying pan
  • sauce pan
  • oven
  • blender
  • baking pan

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 37
  2. Combine squash, broth, milk, and garlic in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium, and simmer until squash is tender when pierced with a fork, about 25 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat.
  4. Place the hot squash mixture in a blender.
  5. Add salt, pepper, and Greek yogurt.
  6. Remove the center piece of blender lid (to allow steam to escape); secure blender lid on blender.
  7. Place a clean towel over opening in blender lid (to avoid splatters). Blend until smooth.
  8. Place blended squash mixture in a bowl; stir in Gruyre, pecorino Romano, and 2 tablespoons Parmigiano-Reggiano. Stir until combined.
  9. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat; drain well.
  10. Add pasta to squash mixture, and stir until combined.
  11. Spread mixture evenly into a 13 x 9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish coated with cooking spray.
  12. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
  13. Add panko, and cook for 2 minutes or until golden brown.
  14. Remove from heat; stir in remaining 2 tablespoons Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
  15. Sprinkle evenly over the hot pasta mixture. Lightly coat topping with cooking spray.
  16. Bake at 375 for 25 minutes or until bubbly.
  17. Sprinkle with parsley, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Calories417kcal
Protein21.28%
Fat26.22%
Carbs52.5%

Properties

Glycemic Index
27.91
Glycemic Load
18.03
Inflammation Score
-10
Nutrition Score
21.386521712593%

Flavonoids

Apigenin
2.15mg
Luteolin
0.01mg
Kaempferol
0.02mg
Myricetin
0.16mg
Quercetin
0.02mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:417.18kcal
20.86%
Fat:12.13g
18.66%
Saturated Fat:6.67g
41.68%
Carbohydrates:54.64g
18.21%
Net Carbohydrates:51.53g
18.74%
Sugar:5.56g
6.17%
Cholesterol:38.21mg
12.74%
Sodium:766.67mg
33.33%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:22.15g
44.3%
Vitamin A:6014.08IU
120.28%
Selenium:43.87µg
62.67%
Calcium:483.98mg
48.4%
Phosphorus:426.37mg
42.64%
Manganese:0.7mg
34.98%
Vitamin K:18.65µg
17.76%
Magnesium:70.1mg
17.52%
Zinc:2.34mg
15.57%
Vitamin C:12.59mg
15.26%
Potassium:515.67mg
14.73%
Vitamin B2:0.25mg
14.47%
Vitamin B12:0.79µg
13.18%
Fiber:3.11g
12.45%
Vitamin B1:0.19mg
12.41%
Vitamin B6:0.24mg
11.76%
Copper:0.23mg
11.47%
Vitamin B3:1.96mg
9.82%
Iron:1.55mg
8.6%
Folate:34.15µg
8.54%
Vitamin B5:0.84mg
8.37%
Vitamin E:0.99mg
6.62%
Vitamin D:0.7µg
4.67%
Source:My Recipes