Light and Creamy Mac and Cheese

Health score
10%
Light and Creamy Mac and Cheese
10 min.
2
373kcal

Suggestions


Are you craving a comforting dish that won't weigh you down? Look no further than this Light and Creamy Mac and Cheese! Perfectly portioned for two, this delightful recipe combines the classic flavors of macaroni and cheese with a lighter twist, making it an ideal choice for a quick lunch, a satisfying side dish, or even a main course.

In just 10 minutes, you can whip up a creamy, cheesy delight that features jumbo elbow macaroni and vibrant sweet peas, adding a pop of color and nutrition to your plate. The secret to its lightness lies in the use of fat-free milk and reduced-fat cream cheese, which create a luscious sauce without the extra calories. The addition of process American cheese ensures that every bite is rich and satisfying, while the herb-seasoned croutons on top provide a delightful crunch that elevates the dish.

This recipe not only satisfies your cheese cravings but also offers a balanced meal with a caloric breakdown that keeps you feeling good. With 373 calories per serving, you can indulge without the guilt. Whether you're cooking for yourself or sharing with a friend, this Light and Creamy Mac and Cheese is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So grab your frying pan and whisk, and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

  • oz elbow macaroni uncooked
  • 0.3 cup peas sweet frozen
  • 0.7 cup skim milk fat-free (skim)
  • oz cream cheese softened cut into small pieces, reduced-fat (Neufchâtel)
  • 1.5 oz processed cheese food 
  • tablespoons croutons fat-free crushed

Equipment

  • frying pan
  • whisk

Directions

  1. Cook and drain macaroni as directed on package, omitting salt and adding peas for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  2. Meanwhile, in 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat milk, cream cheese and American cheese over medium-low heat, stirring carefully with wire whisk, until cheese is melted.
  3. Add cooked macaroni and peas to cheese sauce; stir to coat.
  4. Let stand 2 to 3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
  5. Serve topped with croutons.

Nutrition Facts

Calories373kcal
Protein17.71%
Fat26.04%
Carbs56.25%

Properties

Glycemic Index
88.29
Glycemic Load
9.75
Inflammation Score
-6
Nutrition Score
15.544782830321%

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:372.66kcal
18.63%
Fat:10.71g
16.47%
Saturated Fat:5.53g
34.55%
Carbohydrates:52.03g
17.34%
Net Carbohydrates:48.54g
17.65%
Sugar:7.94g
8.82%
Cholesterol:31.37mg
10.46%
Sodium:546.63mg
23.77%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:16.38g
32.77%
Selenium:39.35µg
56.22%
Calcium:377.18mg
37.72%
Phosphorus:368.7mg
36.87%
Manganese:0.58mg
28.78%
Vitamin B1:0.25mg
16.62%
Vitamin B2:0.28mg
16.51%
Vitamin B12:0.92µg
15.38%
Fiber:3.49g
13.97%
Zinc:2.01mg
13.39%
Magnesium:51.56mg
12.89%
Vitamin A:630.65IU
12.61%
Folate:48.91µg
12.23%
Vitamin C:9.67mg
11.72%
Vitamin B3:2.16mg
10.81%
Potassium:371.59mg
10.62%
Copper:0.21mg
10.27%
Iron:1.67mg
9.27%
Vitamin B6:0.17mg
8.51%
Vitamin B5:0.77mg
7.69%
Vitamin D:1.07µg
7.12%
Vitamin K:6.74µg
6.42%
Vitamin E:0.29mg
1.91%