Classic Mac & Cheese

(4)

No sneaky ingredients here, just delicious comfort food. You can enjoy this super-cheesy mac and cheese in the same time it takes to cook the boxed version. Whole-wheat noodles add fiber, while sharp Cheddar adds richness. A hefty twist of black pepper balances the cheese's salty tang.

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Prep Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
20 mins
Servings:
8
Yield:
8 cups
  • Extra-sharp Cheddar cheese brings rich flavor to this comforting 20-minute dish. 
  • Whole-wheat noodles supply fiber to promote heart health and digestion.
  • The dish can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated before serving.
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

  • 1 pound whole-wheat elbow noodles (4 cups)

  • 1 ¾ cups reduced-fat milk, divided

  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper, or to taste

Directions

  1. Put a large pot of water on to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain.

  2. Meanwhile, heat 1 1/2 cups milk in a large heavy saucepan over medium-high heat until steaming. Whisk the remaining 1/4 cup milk and flour in a small bowl until smooth; add to the hot milk and cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce simmers and thickens, 2 to 3 minutes. Add butter and whisk until melted. Remove from heat and stir in Cheddar until melted. Stir in salt and pepper. Add the drained pasta and stir to combine.

Tips

To make ahead: Refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, August 2018

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

408 Calories
16g Fat
52g Carbs
18g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Serving Size 1 cup
Calories 408
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 52g 19%
Dietary Fiber 6g 22%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 18g 36%
Total Fat 16g 21%
Saturated Fat 8g 41%
Cholesterol 40mg 13%
Vitamin A 548IU 11%
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Folate 52mcg 13%
Sodium 362mg 16%
Calcium 287mg 22%
Iron 3mg 16%
Magnesium 98mg 23%
Potassium 250mg 5%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.