Best 7 Lighter Mac And Cheese With Tomatoes Recipes

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Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food, but it's not exactly known for being light or healthy. However, with a few simple swaps, you can create a lighter version of this dish that's just as delicious and satisfying. In this article, we'll share a recipe for a lighter mac and cheese with tomatoes that uses low-fat cheese, whole wheat pasta, and plenty of fresh vegetables. You'll also learn how to make a simple tomato sauce that adds a burst of flavor to the dish.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

FAMILY-FAVORITE MACARONI AND CHEESE (LIGHTER RECIPE)



Family-Favorite Macaroni and Cheese (lighter recipe) image

No need to use a box mix when mac and cheese is as simple--and delicious--as this!

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 50m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (7 ounces)
2 tablespoons margarine
1/4 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups fat-free (skim) milk
1 1/2 cups reduced-fat shredded or cubed sharp Cheddar cheese (6 ounces)

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F.
  • Cook macaroni as directed on package.
  • While macaroni is cooking, melt margarine in 3-quart saucepan over low heat. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over medium low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Stir in cheese. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted.
  • Drain macaroni. Gently stir macaroni into cheese sauce. Pour into ungreased 2-quart casserole. Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 240, Carbohydrate 34 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 5 g, Protein 15 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 460 mg

LIGHTENED-UP MAC AND CHEESE



Lightened-Up Mac and Cheese image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Kosher salt
12 ounces fusilli or other corkscrew pasta
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 medium shallot, finely chopped
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1/2 cup skim milk
1/3 cup low-fat sour cream
2/3 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
2/3 cup shredded low-fat Swiss cheese
3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, basil and/or chives

Steps:

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Reserve 3/4 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta. Add the butter to the empty pot and melt over medium-high heat. Add the shallot and cook, stirring, until slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Add the flour and mustard powder and cook, stirring, until the flour begins to toast, about 1 minute. Whisk in the milk and the reserved cooking water; cook, whisking, until thick, about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium. Whisk in the sour cream, mozzarella, Swiss cheese and 1 tablespoon parmesan; continue whisking until melted, about 1 minute. Stir in the pasta, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; transfer to a 2-quart flameproof baking dish. Preheat the broiler. Combine the remaining 2 tablespoons parmesan, the herbs, and salt and pepper to taste in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the pasta. Broil until golden and bubbly, about 2 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 545 calorie, Fat 18 grams, SaturatedFat 10 grams, Cholesterol 49 milligrams, Sodium 639 milligrams, Carbohydrate 71 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 26 grams

LIGHTER MAC AND CHEESE WITH TOMATOES



Lighter Mac and Cheese With Tomatoes image

I have a full fat version of this posted, this one is equally as good and safe for weight watchers. I came up with it on the weight watchers website and if serving 4 people it is 5 points per serving.

Provided by Red Chef Mama

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 35m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 cups diced tomatoes, canned, drained
1 1/2 cups macaroni, uncooked
1 cup fat-free cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup fat free sour cream
4 tablespoons parmesan cheese, shredded
3 tablespoons breadcrumbs, plain

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • Cook macaroni in boiling (not salted) water until al dente.
  • Drain macaroni, place back in pot and add the sour cream, stir well.
  • Add the tomatoes to the noodles and mix.
  • Add the cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons of the parmesan and stir until well mixed.
  • Pour noodle mixture into square casserole dish.
  • Mix the remaining parmesan and bread crumbs and sprinkle on top of the casserole.
  • Bake until bubbly and brown (20-30 minutes) and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 272.7, Fat 3.2, SaturatedFat 1.4, Cholesterol 7.3, Sodium 462.5, Carbohydrate 50.3, Fiber 3.6, Sugar 8.6, Protein 11

BAKED MAC AND CHEESE WITH BROILED TOMATOES



Baked Mac and Cheese with Broiled Tomatoes image

Blistered tomatoes and a crunchy panko topping elevate this three-cheese mac.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 Roma tomatoes
Extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
12 ounces cavatappi
3 tablespoons butter, plus 2 tablespoons melted
1/4 cup flour
2 teaspoons mustard powder
3 cups warm whole milk, warmed
1 cup (4 ounces) chopped American cheese
2 1/4 cups (9 ounces) grated sharp cheddar
1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 ounces) grated Parmesan
1 cup panko

Steps:

  • Preheat broiler. Slice tomatoes into thick rounds, drizzle with oil, and season with salt and pepper. Broil until tomatoes start to brown, about 8 minutes; let cool slightly. Store, covered, in the refrigerator up to 1 day.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Boil pasta in a medium pot of boiling salted water until al dente, about 2 minutes less than per package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water.
  • Return empty pot to medium heat and add butter. When butter melts and foams, add flour and whisk until darkened slightly, 1 to 2 minutes. Add mustard powder and whisk to combine. Slowly whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring often, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to low and add cheese in 3 batches, starting with American. Follow with 2 cups cheddar and 1 cup Parmesan. Whisk to fully combine after adding each cheese. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Toss pasta with cheese sauce and reserved pasta water. Transfer to an 8-inch baking dish.
  • In a bowl, mix panko with melted butter and remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan and 1/4 cup cheddar. Top pasta with broiled tomatoes and panko mixture. Bake until bubbly, about 30 minutes.

LIGHTER MACARONI AND CHEESE



Lighter Macaroni and Cheese image

These individual mac-and-cheese casseroles call for pungent Parmesan and extra-sharp cheddar, which means the noodles get away with less-than-usual amounts of cheese. Low-fat milk, chicken stock, and olive oil keep the sauce creamy.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains

Number Of Ingredients 14

6 small vine-ripened tomatoes (3-inch) cut into twenty-four 1/4-inch-thick slices
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, plus sprigs for sprinkling
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
5 slices white sandwich bread, with crust
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 pound elbow macaroni
2 cups homemade or low-sodium store-bought chicken stock
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
Pinch of cayenne pepper
2 cups low-fat (1 percent) milk
8 ounces (about 2 1/4 cups) extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 ounce (about 1/2 cup) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spread tomatoes in a single layer on 2 rimmed baking sheets. Drizzle each sheet with 1 tablespoon oil; sprinkle each with 1/2 teaspoon thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Bake until tomatoes have softened, about 20 minutes. (Leave oven on.)
  • Process bread in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. Melt 1 tablespoon butter with remaining tablespoon oil in amedium skillet over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs, and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon salt and the pasta. Cook pasta until almost al dente, about 5 minutes. Drain, and run under cold water to stop cooking. Transfer to a large bowl; set aside.
  • Whisk 1/2 cup stock into the flour in a medium bowl; set aside. Melt remaining tablespoon butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in nutmeg, cayenne, remaining 1/2 teaspoon thyme, and 1 teaspoon salt. Add milk and remaining 1 1/2 cups stock. Whisk in flour mixture. Bring to a boil, whisking frequently. Reduce to a simmer. Cook 8 minutes, whisking frequently. Add cheeses; cook, stirring, until melted. Pour over macaroni, stirring to combine.
  • Put eight 4 1/2-by-1 1/4-inch ramekins on a baking sheet. Put 2 tomato slices in bottom of each ramekin. Divide macaroni mixture evenly among ramekins. Top each with a tomato slice. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and thyme sprigs. Bake until bubbling and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.

LIGHTENED-UP MACARONI AND CHEESE



Lightened-Up Macaroni and Cheese image

Who doesn't love macaroni and cheese? This lightened-up version is sure to please those who want to indulge without the extra calories!

Provided by thedailygourmet

Categories     100+ Pasta and Noodle Recipes     Noodle Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

cooking spray
6 ounces whole wheat elbow macaroni
1 (5 ounce) can evaporated skim milk, divided
1 teaspoon tapioca starch
5 ounces low-fat sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, or more to taste
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 pinch cayenne pepper

Steps:

  • Coat an 8x8-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook whole wheat macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes.
  • Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler.
  • Stir 1 tablespoon evaporated milk and tapioca together in a saucepan. Whisk in remaining milk. Stir in Cheddar cheese, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and stir until the sauce thickens a bit and cheese is completely melted. Drain pasta and stir into the sauce. Spoon into the prepared baking dish.
  • Cook under the broiler until top browns, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 281.9 calories, Carbohydrate 38.5 g, Cholesterol 26.4 mg, Fat 8.2 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 17.6 g, SaturatedFat 4.5 g, Sodium 400.6 mg, Sugar 4 g

CHEESE AND TOMATO MACARONI



Cheese and Tomato Macaroni image

A family favorite. Very easy to make and ideal if you have a tight budget.

Provided by J.R. Jackson

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 40m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (8 ounce) package elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic paste, or to taste
1 (14.5 ounce) can plum tomatoes, chopped, juice reserved
4 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
¼ cup water, or as needed
1 tomato, sliced

Steps:

  • Set oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain and transfer pasta to a large baking dish.
  • Heat vegetable oil and flour in a large skillet over medium heat; cook and stir until mixture is frothy and smooth, about 5 minutes. Add reserved tomato juice and garlic paste. Cook and stir until mixture is thickened and stir in chopped tomatoes and about 3/4 the Cheddar cheese. Simmer until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes more. Stir water into tomato sauce if mixture becomes too thick.
  • Pour tomato sauce over macaroni and top with remaining Cheddar cheese and sliced tomato.
  • Broil in the preheated oven until cheese is melted and browned, about 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 384.8 calories, Carbohydrate 48.9 g, Cholesterol 29.8 mg, Fat 13.9 g, Fiber 3.2 g, Protein 15.6 g, SaturatedFat 6.7 g, Sodium 369.2 mg, Sugar 4.9 g

Tips for Making the Best Lighter Mac and Cheese with Tomatoes:

  • Use a variety of cheeses. Combining different types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, creates a more complex and flavorful sauce.
  • Don't overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta is best for mac and cheese because it will hold its shape and not become mushy.
  • Make sure the sauce is thick and creamy. A good mac and cheese sauce should be thick enough to coat the pasta but not so thick that it's difficult to stir.
  • Add some vegetables. Adding vegetables like chopped broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach to your mac and cheese is a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment. There are endless ways to customize your mac and cheese. Try adding different herbs, spices, or even different types of pasta.

Conclusion:

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. This lighter version of mac and cheese with tomatoes is a healthier and more flavorful take on the traditional dish. With its creamy sauce, tender pasta, and fresh tomatoes, this mac and cheese is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. So next time you're in the mood for mac and cheese, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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