Weight Watchers Baked Macaroni & Cheese With Broccoli

xpnsve's Note:

This casserole-like dish hits the spot when you’re in the mood for a hearty pasta recipe. Serve right away for the best flavor and texture. From the WW website, 1 serving = 5 POINTS.

• Total Time: 1 hrs
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• cooking spray
• 2 1/2 cups gemelli pasta, uncooked (can also use other twisted pasta)
• 1/8 teaspoon table salt, for pasta cooking water
• 2 1/2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 teaspoon butter
• 1/3 cup fresh breadcrumb
• 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated divided
• 2 1/2 cups skim milk
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 1 cup low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded and sharp variety
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 1/2 teaspoons table salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375ºF. Coat a shallow 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook pasta in a large pot of lightly salted boiling water according to package directions, adding broccoli to water 3 minutes before pasta will be done; drain pasta and broccoli and return to pot.
3. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; add bread crumbs and cook, stirring often, until light golden, about 2 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and transfer crumbs to a small bowl; stir in 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese and set aside.
5. In same saucepan (wipe clean if necessary), whisk together milk and flour until blended; add onion.
6. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking frequently. Reduce heat to low and simmer until thickened, about 2 minutes.
7. Remove from heat and whisk in Cheddar cheese, mustard, salt, pepper and remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese.
8. Pour over cooked, drained pasta and broccoli; toss to mix and coat.
9. Transfer to a baking dish and sprinkle top evenly with bread crumb mixture. Bake until bubbly at edges, about 20 to 25 minutes.
10. Divide into 8 pieces and serve.
11. Yields 1 piece per serving.

Reviews

[Redsie]

This was real good!! :) The only problem I had (and it's all my fault!) was that I added one cup of pasta ... so I was missing a bit of the sauce. All in all - would make it again as is!! Also added a bit of cheese on top! Thanks for sharing! :)