Healthy Makeover: Macaroni and Cheese

Name: Healthy Makeover: Macaroni and Cheese
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 8 oz. whole wheat rotini pasta (2 1/2 cups); 4 tsp. cornstarch; 2 c. low-fat (1%) milk; 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper; 4 oz. reduced-fat (2%) pasteurized process cheese spread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 2 oz. extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded; c. freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese; 2 tbsp. plain dried bread crumbs; 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced

Published: Aug 28, 2007

Tara Donne

Yields:

Total Time:

30 mins

Cal/Serv:

420

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Predictable: Our classic Mac and Cheese, with its 1 1/4 pounds of cheese, has 640 calories and 30 fat grams per serving. Surprising: Our revamped version, with reduced-fat cheese and low-fat milk, is just as creamy and flavorful but has only 420 calories and 12 fat grams for the same serving size. Bonus: M&C Lite packs 5 grams fiber (whole wheat pasta!). Serve this at your next gathering, and be sure to have copies of the recipe — fans will be clamoring.

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Ingredients

8 oz.
whole wheat rotini pasta (2 1/2 cups)
4 tsp.
cornstarch
2 cups
low-fat (1%) milk
1/2 tsp.
Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper
4 oz.
reduced-fat (2%) pasteurized process cheese spread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 oz.
extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
cup
freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
2 Tbsp.
plain dried bread crumbs
1
medium tomato, thinly sliced

Directions

1. Step 1Preheat broiler. With nonstick cooking spray, grease shallow 1 1/2-quart broiler-safe baking dish.
2. Step 2Heat large covered saucepot of salted water to boiling over high heat. Add pasta and cook as label directs.
3. Step 3Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, whisk cornstarch into milk; heat to boiling over medium heat, whisking occasionally. Boil 1 minute. Remove saucepan from heat; whisk in mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Stir in cheese spread, Cheddar, and 1/4 cup Romano. (Cheese does not need to melt completely.) In small bowl, combine bread crumbs with remaining Romano.
4. Step 4Drain pasta; return to saucepot. Stir cheese sauce into pasta; spoon into prepared baking dish. Arrange tomato slices on top; sprinkle with crumb mixture.
5. Step 5Place baking dish in broiler, about 6 inches from source of heat. Broil macaroni mixture 2 to 3 minutes or until top is lightly browned. Let macaroni and cheese stand 5 minutes to set slightly for easier serving.