Broccoli Bacon Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Guilt-free with just over 200 calories, this creamy macaroni and cheese with broccoli and bacon is comfort food side dish you've been waiting for.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 2 cups large elbow macaroni (can use whole grain)
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3/4 cup low-fat evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic salt with parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1-1/4 cups shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 3 tablespoons real bacon bits
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package, adding the broccoli florets for the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain well and add the pasta and broccoli back in the pot.
- Prepare the cheese sauce while the pasta cooks. In a small saucepan, combine evaporated milk, chicken broth, cornstarch, dry mustard, garlic salt, onion powder and black pepper. Over medium heat, whisk occasionally until mixture comes to a low bowl and thickens. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded cheese until smooth.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and broccoli mixture and stir until evenly coated. Rewarm pasta over low heat if needed.
- Either stir in, or top with, remaining 1/4 cup cheese, sprinkle with bacon bits and serve.
- Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
Serving size: 1 cup
WW Points: 9
Check your WW Points for this recipe and track it in the WW app.
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) 5 PointsPlus (Old plan) Elbow macaroni works best in this recipe because it captures all the creamy goodness of the cheese sauce. But if don't have elbows, try any short cylindrical pasta like ziti, rigatoni, or corkscrew shapes like fusilli.
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) 5 PointsPlus (Old plan) Elbow macaroni works best in this recipe because it captures all the creamy goodness of the cheese sauce. But if don't have elbows, try any short cylindrical pasta like ziti, rigatoni, or corkscrew shapes like fusilli.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cup | Calories: 215kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 557mg | Potassium: 260mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 296IU | Vitamin C: 41mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 1mg