Light Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Weight Watchers Lighter Macaroni and Cheese - 9 SmartPoints

4.20 from 20 votes

Light Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

This light stove top macaroni and cheese is just what I was looking for. Easy and creamy, but without butter and processed cheese, it's a healthier alternative that doesn't sacrifice flavor.

Prep Time5

Cook Time20

Total Time25

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: macaroni cheese made lighter, stovetop mac and cheese, ww macaroni cheese

Servings:

Author: Martha McKinnon | Simple Nourished Living

Equipment

Ingredients

2-1/2 cups uncooked medium elbow macaroni (about 12 ounces)
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2-1/4 cups fat-free milk
1/4 cup (2 ounces) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
2-1/2 cups (10 ounces) shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
While pasta cooks, make the cheese sauce. Place flour, dry mustard, salt, pepper and cayenne in a large saucepan. Add milk, stirring with a whisk until well blended.
Drop cream cheese by teaspoonfuls into the milk mixture.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
Reduce the heat and let the mixture gently bubble until it thickens and the cream cheese melts, about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from the heat.
Add cheddar cheese and stir until it melts.
Add the pasta and stir until it is coated with the cheese sauce.

Notes

Serving size: 3/4 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.)

9 SmartPoints (Green plan)

9 SmartPoints (Blue plan)

9 SmartPoints (Purple plan)

9 PointsPlus (Old plan)

Variations:

Pasta - use whatever shape pasta you prefer
Cheese - use whatever cheese you prefer - American, Swiss, Cheddar, Gouda, Havarti, Parmesan, Feta, Cottage, etc. A combination is always nice.
More veg - broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, peas (add to macaroni during the last few minutes of cooking) chopped tomatoes (stir into the cheese sauce)
More protein - stir chopped cooked ham or a can of drained tuna into the cheese sauce
Spicier - add more cayenne or hot sauce to the cheese sauce
No dry mustard - skip it or add in a little jarred Dijon mustard into the cheese sauce
Baked - scrape the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake at 375F degrees for 20 - 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden

Nutrition