Healthy Macaroni and Cheese

SilverOpera's Note:

This is a recipe from The Food Network's nutritionist, Elie Krieger. It is so delicious and much, MUCH better for you than regular macaroni and cheese. She used 2 oz of Monterey Jack cheese and 4 oz of cheddar, but I had better results using all cheddar, since it is more flavorful. I also use whole-wheat macaroni for more healthy grains.

• Total Time: 38 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 23 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 20 ounces winter squash (the frozen kind, pureed)
• 2 cups skim milk
• 6 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1⁄8; teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese , grated

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375.
2. Coat a 9 x 13 baking pan with cooking spray.
3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
4. Add the macaroni and cook until tender but firm, about 5 to 8 minutes.
5. Drain the macaroni and transfer to a large bowl.
6. Place the frozen squash and milk into a large saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally and breaking up the squash with a spoon until defrosted.
7. Turn the heat up to medium and cook until the mixture is almost simmering, stirring occasionally.
8. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the cheeses (except the parmesan), salt, mustard, and cayenne pepper.
9. Pour the cheese mixture over the macaroni and stir to combine.
10. Transfer macaroni and cheese to the baking dish.
11. Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan, and oil in a small bowl.
12. Sprinkle over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
13. Bake for 20 minutes, and broil for 3 minutes so the top is crisp and nicely browned.

Reviews

[Stella8037]

The flavor of this was actualy spot-on, it tasted like "real" mac and cheese which surprised me given the squash! However, the texture was a bit off - I'm not sure if it was the ricotta or the squash, but it was rather lumpy. I prefer a smoother, creamier mac and cheese. My boyfriend liked it, and didn't even know it was a healthy version until I told him!