Best 2 Light And Creamy Mac And Cheese Recipes

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If you're searching for a comforting and delectable dish that satisfies your cravings without weighing you down, our guide to creating the ultimate "light and creamy mac and cheese" is exactly what you need. This article will present you with a collection of curated recipes that transform the classic macaroni and cheese into a lighter yet equally satisfying meal. We'll explore variations that utilize healthier ingredients, clever cooking techniques, and creative flavor combinations, ensuring that you can indulge in a creamy and flavorful pasta dish without compromising on your health goals. From incorporating non-fat milk to experimenting with gluten-free pasta alternatives, this guide will inspire you to create a "light and creamy mac and cheese" that tantalizes your taste buds and leaves you feeling satisfied, not stuffed.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

LIGHT AND CREAMY MAC AND CHEESE



Light and Creamy Mac and Cheese image

Six ingredients and ten minutes create a one-dish mac and cheese just for two.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 10m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup uncooked jumbo elbow macaroni (3 oz)
1/3 cup frozen sweet peas
2/3 cup fat-free (skim) milk
1 oz reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel), cut into small pieces, softened
2 slices (3/4 oz each) process American cheese
2 tablespoons crushed fat-free herb-seasoned croutons

Steps:

  • Cook and drain macaroni as directed on package, omitting salt and adding peas for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  • Meanwhile, in 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat milk, cream cheese and American cheese over medium-low heat, stirring carefully with wire whisk, until cheese is melted.
  • Add cooked macaroni and peas to cheese sauce; stir to coat. Let stand 2 to 3 minutes or until slightly thickened. Serve topped with croutons.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 350, Carbohydrate 45 g, Cholesterol 30 mg, Fiber 3 g, Protein 17 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 440 mg, Sugar 6 g, TransFat 0 g

LIGHT AND CREAMY MAC AND CHEESE



Light and Creamy Mac and Cheese image

Six ingredients and ten minutes create a one-dish mac and cheese just for two.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 10m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup uncooked jumbo elbow macaroni (3 oz)
1/3 cup frozen sweet peas
2/3 cup fat-free (skim) milk
1 oz reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel), cut into small pieces, softened
2 slices (3/4 oz each) process American cheese
2 tablespoons crushed fat-free herb-seasoned croutons

Steps:

  • Cook and drain macaroni as directed on package, omitting salt and adding peas for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  • Meanwhile, in 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat milk, cream cheese and American cheese over medium-low heat, stirring carefully with wire whisk, until cheese is melted.
  • Add cooked macaroni and peas to cheese sauce; stir to coat. Let stand 2 to 3 minutes or until slightly thickened. Serve topped with croutons.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 350, Carbohydrate 45 g, Cholesterol 30 mg, Fiber 3 g, Protein 17 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 440 mg, Sugar 6 g, TransFat 0 g

Tips:

  • Use a good quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will greatly impact the flavor of your mac and cheese. Use a cheese that melts well and has a strong flavor, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or Gouda.
  • Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken the sauce. A roux will help to prevent the sauce from becoming too thin or watery.
  • Use milk or cream: Milk or cream will help to make the sauce smooth and creamy. You can use whole milk, low-fat milk, or even heavy cream, depending on how rich you want the sauce to be.
  • Season the sauce: Be sure to season the sauce with salt, pepper, and other spices to taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little bit of heat.
  • Cook the macaroni until it is al dente: Al dente means "to the tooth" in Italian. It refers to the texture of pasta that is cooked through but still has a slight bite to it. Cooking the macaroni until it is al dente will prevent it from becoming mushy.
  • Add the macaroni to the sauce: Once the sauce is made, add the macaroni and stir until it is evenly coated. Be careful not to overcook the macaroni, or it will become mushy.
  • Top with cheese and bake: Top the macaroni and cheese with a layer of cheese and bake it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This will help to create a golden brown crust on top of the mac and cheese.

Conclusion:

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. It is a simple dish to make, but there are a few tips that you can follow to make sure that your mac and cheese turns out perfectly. By following the tips in this guide, you can make a light and creamy mac and cheese that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

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