CREAMY, LIGHT MACARONI AND CHEESE

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Creamy, Light Macaroni and Cheese image

From the September 2011 Cooking Light (cover recipe). This is the most delicious macaroni and cheese I've ever eaten! No one will know it's full of healthy butternut squash and just the right amount of cheese. This is a true winner! To save time, I bought my butternut squash in the produce section already cut up. Perfect and what a time saver. Use a pasta with a nice shape to cling to all the yummy sauce.

Provided by CaliforniaJan

Categories     Macaroni And Cheese

Time 55m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

3 cups butternut squash, cubed peeled
1 1/4 cups fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 cups nonfat milk
2 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fat-free Greek yogurt
1 1/4 cups gruyere cheese, grated
1 cup pecorino romano cheese, grated
1/4 cup parmigiano-reggiano cheese, grated and divided
1 lb uncooked pasta
cooking spray
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (Japanese breadcrumbs)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°.
  • Combine squash, broth, milk, and garlic in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium, and simmer until squash is tender when pierced with a fork, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Place the hot squash mixture in a blender. Add salt, pepper, and Greek yogurt. Remove the center piece of blender lid (to allow steam to escape); secure blender lid on blender. Place a clean towel over opening in blender lid (to avoid splatters). Blend until smooth. Place blended squash mixture in a bowl; stir in Gruyère, pecorino Romano, and 2 tablespoons Parmigiano-Reggiano. Stir until combined.
  • Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat; drain well. Add pasta to squash mixture, and stir until combined. Spread mixture evenly into a 13 x 9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish coated with cooking spray.
  • Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add panko, and cook for 2 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from heat; stir in remaining 2 tablespoons Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the hot pasta mixture. Lightly coat topping with cooking spray.
  • Bake at 375° for 25 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle with parsley, and serve immediately.

Akil Ali
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This recipe looks delicious!


Jeremy Armstrong1127
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I can't wait to try this recipe!


RUMON SAHA
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This recipe is a keeper!


Sita Thapa
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I'm definitely going to make this recipe again!


Marcus Nakana
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This recipe is so easy to follow and the results are delicious!


Liana
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I'm not a big fan of macaroni and cheese, but this recipe is amazing!


Bila Raper
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This is the best mac and cheese I've ever had!


Lincoln Poe
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I love this recipe! It's so creamy and cheesy.


Nain Singh Oli
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This is my go-to macaroni and cheese recipe. It's always a crowd-pleaser and it's so easy to make.


Agbu Emmanuel
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I made this recipe for a potluck and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved it and asked for the recipe. It's definitely a keeper.


Mojalefa Modisaotsile
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This is the best macaroni and cheese recipe I've ever tried! It's so easy to make and it always turns out perfect. I love that it's made with real cheese and milk, and it's so creamy and delicious.


Kevin Ramirez
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I'm not a huge fan of macaroni and cheese, but this recipe changed my mind! The cheese sauce is so creamy and flavorful, and the pasta is cooked perfectly. I'll definitely be making this again.


Medeina Baksyte
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This recipe is a lifesaver! I'm always looking for quick and easy meals that my family will love, and this one fits the bill perfectly. The kids love it, and it's so easy to make.


Khan K
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This mac and cheese is the perfect comfort food! It's cheesy, creamy, and so satisfying. I love that it's made with simple ingredients that I always have on hand.


Muhmmad Ashraf
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This recipe was easy to follow and the results were delicious! The cheese sauce was smooth and creamy, and the pasta was cooked perfectly. I would definitely recommend this recipe.


Tre Ashley
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This was a hit with my family! Everyone loved the creamy cheese sauce and the perfectly cooked pasta. I will definitely be making this again.


Ganga Gurung
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This recipe is a game-changer! I've always been a fan of macaroni and cheese, but this one takes it to the next level. The combination of cheeses is perfect, and the sauce is so creamy and flavorful. I'll never make mac and cheese any other way again


Brianna Sherwood
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Best mac and cheese I've ever had! The recipe was easy to follow and the results were amazing. The cheese sauce was perfectly smooth and creamy, and the pasta was cooked to perfection. I will definitely be making this again.


Louise Grech
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This macaroni and cheese recipe is a keeper! It's so creamy and flavorful, and the perfect comfort food. I especially love the addition of sharp cheddar cheese - it gives the dish a nice tang.