Healthy Pasta and Noodle Recipes Healthy Pasta Recipes by Shape Healthy Macaroni Recipes Healthy Macaroni & Cheese Recipes Baked Mac & Cheese 4.3 (36) 35 Reviews Mac & cheese can be a true comfort on a gloomy day, and our healthy update takes advantage of extra-sharp Cheddar balanced with creamy low-fat cottage cheese and tucks a layer of spinach into the middle, which may help picky eaters down their vegetables. Whole-wheat pasta adds robust flavor and extra fiber. By EatingWell Test Kitchen EatingWell Test Kitchen The EatingWell Test Kitchen is comprised of a group of culinary professionals who develop and test our recipes. Our recipes go through a rigorous process, which includes testing by trained recipe testers, using different equipment (e.g., gas and electric stoves) and a variety of tools and techniques to make sure that it will really work when you make it at home. Testers shop major supermarkets to research availability of ingredients. Finally, a Registered Dietitian reviews each recipe to ensure that we deliver food that's not only delicious, but adheres to our nutrition guidelines as well. Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 16, 2019 Print Share Share Tweet Pin Email Cook Time: 25 mins Additional Time: 30 mins Total Time: 55 mins Servings: 4 Yield: 4 servings Nutrition Profile: Bone Health Healthy Aging Healthy Immunity Healthy Pregnancy High Calcium High Fiber High-Protein Low Added Sugars Vegetarian Jump to Nutrition Facts Ingredients 3 tablespoons plain dry breadcrumbs, (see Tip) 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil ¼ teaspoon paprika 1 16-ounce or 10-ounce package frozen spinach, thawed 1 ¾ cups low-fat milk, divided 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon salt Freshly ground pepper, to taste 8 ounces (2 cups) whole-wheat elbow macaroni, or penne Directions Put a large pot of water on to boil. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Coat an 8-inch-square (2-quart) baking dish with cooking spray. Mix breadcrumbs, oil and paprika in a small bowl. Place spinach in a fine-mesh strainer and press out excess moisture. Heat 1 1/2 cups milk in a large heavy saucepan over medium-high heat until steaming. Whisk 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. Remove from heat and stir in Cheddar until melted. Stir in cottage cheese, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Cook pasta for 4 minutes, or until not quite tender. (It will continue to cook during baking.) Drain and add to the cheese sauce; mix well. Spread half the pasta mixture in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the spinach on top. Top with the remaining pasta; sprinkle with the breadcrumb mixture. Bake the casserole until bubbly and golden, 25 to 30 minutes. Tips Make Ahead Tip: Prepare through Step 4. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator, if necessary, then bake for 35 to 45 minutes. To make fresh breadcrumbs, trim crusts from whole-wheat bread. Tear bread into pieces and process in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. One slice of bread makes about 1/2 cup fresh crumbs. For dry breadcrumbs, spread the fresh crumbs on a baking sheet and bake at 250°F until crispy, about 15 minutes. One slice of fresh bread makes about 1/3 cup dry crumbs. Or use prepared coarse dry breadcrumbs. We like Ian's brand labeled “Panko breadcrumbs.” Find them in the natural-foods section of large supermarkets. Storage smarts: For long-term freezer storage, wrap your food in a layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil. The plastic will help prevent freezer burn while the foil will help keep off-odors from seeping into the food. Print Nutrition Facts (per serving) 584 Calories 24g Fat 60g Carbs 38g Protein Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label Nutrition Facts Servings Per Recipe 4 Calories 584 % Daily Value * Total Carbohydrate 60g 22% Dietary Fiber 9g 31% Total Sugars 9g Protein 38g 76% Total Fat 24g 31% Saturated Fat 13g 63% Cholesterol 65mg 22% Vitamin A 14547IU 291% Vitamin C 3mg 3% Folate 193mcg 48% Sodium 907mg 39% Calcium 750mg 58% Iron 4mg 24% Magnesium 172mg 41% Potassium 676mg 14% 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. Powered by the ESHA Research Database © 2018, ESHA Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved