Name: Mac & Cheese with Collards
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces whole-wheat elbow noodles (about 2 cups); 4 cups chopped collard greens; 1.75 cups low-fat milk, divided; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon ground pepper; 1 cup shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese; 2 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese; 2 teaspoons white-wine vinegar; 0.25 cup panko breadcrumbs, preferably whole-wheat; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 0.5 teaspoon paprika

Mac & Cheese with Collards

5.0

(5)

5 Reviews

Dark leafy collards add bold flavor and boost the calcium in this healthy skillet mac and cheese recipe with a crispy topping. If you don't have collards, kale, Swiss chard and spinach are delicious substitutes.

EatingWell Test Kitchen

Updated on August 16, 2019

Cook Time:

30 mins

Total Time:

30 mins

Servings:

Yield:

4 servings

Nutrition Profile:

High Fiber Vegetarian High Calcium Bone Health Healthy Aging Healthy Immunity Healthy Pregnancy Low Added Sugars

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

8 ounces whole-wheat elbow noodles (about 2 cups)
4 cups chopped collard greens
1 ¾ cups low-fat milk, divided
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground pepper
1 cup shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
2 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese
2 teaspoons white-wine vinegar
¼ cup panko breadcrumbs, preferably whole-wheat
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon paprika

Directions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and collards and cook according to the pasta package directions. Drain.
Meanwhile, heat 1 1/2 cups milk in a large broiler-safe skillet over medium-high heat until just simmering. Whisk the remaining 1/4 cup milk, flour, salt and pepper in a small bowl until combined. Add the flour mixture to the simmering milk; reduce heat to medium-low and cook, whisking constantly, until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in Cheddar, cream cheese and vinegar until the cheese is melted. Stir the pasta and collards into the sauce.
Position rack in upper third of oven; preheat broiler to high.
Combine breadcrumbs, oil and paprika in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the pasta. Broil until golden brown, 1 to 3 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

470	Calories
19g	Fat
58g	Carbs
22g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 470
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 58g	21%
Dietary Fiber 7g	24%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 22g	45%
Total Fat 19g	24%
Saturated Fat 9g	43%
Cholesterol 45mg	15%
Vitamin A 2563IU	51%
Vitamin C 13mg	14%
Folate 86mcg	22%
Sodium 584mg	25%
Calcium 450mg	35%
Iron 2mg	13%
Magnesium 79mg	19%
Potassium 363mg	8%

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.