Save A creamy, comforting pasta bake featuring whimsical snowflake-shaped pasta, made lighter with reduced-fat cheese and a crisp breadcrumb topping.
This recipe quickly became a family favorite for its fun pasta shapes and lighter cheese sauce that doesn't sacrifice flavor.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 300 g (10.5 oz) snowflake-shaped pasta (or any fun-shaped short pasta)
- Cheese Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 500 ml (2 cups) low-fat milk, 120 g (1 cup) reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese shredded, 60 g (½ cup) reduced-fat mozzarella cheese shredded, 30 g (¼ cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp ground black pepper, ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste), Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
- Topping: 30 g (¼ cup) whole wheat breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
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Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a baking dish (about 1.5 2 liters/quarts).
- Step 2:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the snowflake pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Step 4:
- Gradually whisk in the milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 4 5 minutes).
- Step 5:
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and nutmeg. Mix until cheeses are melted and sauce is smooth.
- Step 6:
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
- Step 7:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Step 8:
- In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, olive oil, Parmesan, and parsley (if using). Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
- Step 9:
- Bake for 15 18 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the sauce is bubbling.
- Step 10:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Save Making this dish always brings the family together around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter.
Notes
For extra veggies, stir in 1 cup of steamed broccoli or spinach before baking. Swap cheddar for Gruyère for a nuttier flavor. Serve with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Required Tools
Large pot, saucepan, whisk, baking dish, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons.
Nutritional Information
Calories 410, Total Fat 13 g, Carbohydrates 51 g, Protein 21 g per serving.
Save This lightened mac & cheese bake is perfect for cozy evenings when you want comfort food without the guilt.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What shape pasta works best?
Snowflake-shaped pasta adds a whimsical touch, but any fun-shaped short pasta can be used as a substitute.
- → How can I make the cheese sauce smoother?
Whisk the roux and milk mixture continuously to avoid lumps, and ensure cheeses are shredded finely before stirring in.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, steamed broccoli or spinach stirred in before baking adds color and nutrition without altering texture.
- → What gives the topping its crunch?
Whole wheat breadcrumbs combined with olive oil and Parmesan create a crisp, flavorful golden crust during baking.
- → Is there a way to vary the cheese flavors?
Replacing cheddar with Gruyère gives a nuttier flavor, while keeping mozzarella and Parmesan maintains creaminess and depth.
