Lightened Mac & Cheese Bake

A creamy, comforting pasta bake featuring whimsical snowflake-shaped pasta, made lighter with reduced-fat cheese and a crisp breadcrumb topping.

This dish has become a family favorite for cozy weeknight dinners, bringing smiles with every cheesy bite.

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)

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

Sharing this mac & cheese around the dinner table always brings warmth and happiness to our family evenings.

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

Enjoy this lightened mac & cheese as a comforting meal that’s both delicious and a little healthier.

Cooking Questions

→ What pasta shape works best for this dish?

Snowflake-shaped pasta is recommended for a whimsical look, but any short, fun-shaped pasta like shells or rotini works well.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, this bake is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat and uses cheese and dairy ingredients.

→ How can I add more vegetables to this bake?

Adding steamed broccoli or spinach before baking incorporates extra veggies while maintaining creaminess.

→ What is the purpose of Dijon mustard in the cheese sauce?

Dijon mustard enhances the depth of flavor and adds a subtle tanginess that complements the cheese mixture.

→ How do I achieve a crispy breadcrumb topping?

Combine whole wheat breadcrumbs with olive oil and grated Parmesan, then sprinkle evenly before baking for a golden, crunchy finish.

→ Can I substitute the cheeses for different flavors?

Gruyère can replace cheddar for a nuttier taste, or you can adjust cheeses based on preference while keeping the reduced-fat options.