Lightened Up Cheesy Tuna Mac

Looking for a delicious and healthier twist on classic mac and cheese? This Tuna Mac and Cheese with Veggies is a perfect blend of comfort and nutrition.

Made with a box of creamy mac and cheese, protein-packed tuna, and nutrient-rich cauliflower rice and peas, this dish is both satisfying and wholesome. It is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. With just 6 simple ingredients, you can enjoy a tasty meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

How Many Calories and WW Points in Lightened Up Easy Cheesy Tuna Mac?

According to my calculations, each serving has 261 calories and 3 WW Points.

To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)

Check out this WW Weekly Dinner Meal Plan featuring this Lightened Up Cheesy Tuna Mac

Recipe Ingredients

• Boxed mac and cheese – a pantry staple and the convenient foundation of this tasty dish, consisting of dried macaroni pasta and a packet of powdered cheese sauce mix.
• Frozen cauliflower rice – helps to increase the volume of this recipe without significantly adding calories, making the meal more filling and satisfying.
• Frozen peas – adding a pop of vibrant color, the peas also enhance the flavor, texture, and nutrition of this tuna mac.
• Fat free milk – using fat-free milk allows you to achieve the desired texture and taste of traditional mac and cheese while keeping the recipe lighter and healthier.
• Light butter – by using light butter, you maintain the essential qualities of traditional mac and cheese while keeping the recipe lighter and more suitable for a healthier diet.
• Canned tuna packed in water – adds a rich source of high-quality protein, which helps to make this dish more filling and satisfying. Feel free to add a second can if you want even more substance.

How to Make Lightened Up Cheesy Tuna Mac, Step-by-Step

Step 1: Assemble and prep your ingredients.

Step 2: Cook macaroni.

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add macaroni and cook until tender, 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Microwave vegetables.

Meanwhile place cauliflower and peas in a microwave safe bowl (affiliate link). Microwave (affiliate link) for 2 to 3 minutes or until thawed.

Step 4: When the macaroni is done drain it in a strainer and return it to the pot. Add cheese from packet, milk and butter. Mix thoroughly.

Step 5: Combine all ingredients until heated through.

Add tuna, cauliflower, and peas. Stir until well combined. Heat over medium heat stirring until hot.

Recipe Notes, Variations and Substitutions

• No cauliflower rice? Or not a fan? Chopped broccoli or chopped spinach would be good alternatives. As would thawed frozen broccoli, cauliflower and carrot mix.
• No tuna? Canned salmon or canned chicken could be substituted. You could also use chopped or shredded cooked chicken or chopped ham.
• Creamier? Stir in a little light sour cream or Greek yogurt to make the cheese sauce even richer and creamier.

Serving Suggestions

I like this recipe all on its own. However there are all kinds of great side dishes you could serve alongside including:

1. A side salad such as: shredded romaine with dill, cheap and easy tossed green salad, simple arugula salad with sunflower seeds and parmesan
2. Cucumber and Tomato Salad: sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a splash of lemon juice.
3. Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: lightly seasoned steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or zucchini.
4. Crunchy slaw such as: easy carrot apple slaw, spicy cabbage slaw, easy healthy broccoli slaw with cranberries, Quick and Easy Asian Slaw

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Cheesy Tuna Mac

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for several days. Add a splash of milk to leftovers before reheating and they’re good as new.

If you’ve made this Lightened Up Easy Cheesy Tuna Mac, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

Recipe Source: Hungry Girl Magazine Fall 2021 (affiliate link)

More Lightened Up Comfort Food Recipes for WeightWatchers

• Classic Campbell’s Tuna Noodle Casserole Made Lighter – All the creamy comfort, with fewer calories and Points.
• Low Calorie Cheesy Tuna Casserole for One – Single-serve, cheesy, and satisfying without the guilt.
• Lightened Up Campbell’s Hearty Chicken Noodle Casserole – A creamy, comforting chicken and noodle bake made lighter.
• 5-Ingredient Chicken Wild Rice Casserole – Simple, cozy casserole with just five ingredients.
• Easy English Muffin Tuna Melt for Two – Quick, cheesy tuna melts on English muffins for two.