This healthy version of mac and cheese uses heart-healthy versions of milk and cheese, whole-wheat macaroni noodles, and nutrient-rich spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.

Yield: 8 hefty side-dish servings


Difficulty Rating: Easy

Nutritional Highlights: Whole-wheat pasta is filled with more nutrients than white refined pasta. Sun-dried tomatoes and spinach each have vitamins A, C and K plus potassium and fiber.

Recipe Created By:
Recipe From: My Indiana Home

Total Comments: 4
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Ingredients

  • 8 ounces whole-wheat macaroni, uncooked
  • 2 ⅔ cups reduced-fat 2% milk
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¹⁄₈ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¹⁄₈ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¹⁄₈ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 8 ounces extra-sharp 2% milk cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 ½ cups packed baby spinach leaves, stems removed
  • ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, from jar of oil-packed tomatoes
  • 1 cup homemade soft whole-wheat breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon oil from jar of sun-dried tomatoes
 
 

Tips & Notes

• Not keen on 100% whole grain pasta yet? Start with the half white/half whole-grain versions.

• Smoked paprika may also be called “Smoked Spanish Paprika” in the spice aisle.

• Avoid graininess in this macaroni and cheese by using wedges or blocks of cheese and grate yourself. Pre-shredded versions are convenient and tasty, but they do have anticaking agents that could affect the texture of the dish.

 
 

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 2-quart (8-inch square) glass casserole dish with vegetable cooking spray. Cook macaroni 1 to 2 minutes less than indicated on package directions so pasta is al dente and doesn’t overcook in the oven.
  2. Combine milk and cornstarch in a large saucepan. Add the seasonings and the salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened and bubbly, about 8 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until smooth. Lightly fold in spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Add the cooked, drained macaroni, tossing until combined. Pour mixture into baking dish.
  3. In a separate bowl, stir oil into breadcrumbs with a fork until crumbs are coated. Sprinkle top of macaroni with the crumbs. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly around the edges and golden brown on top. Serve warm. Refrigerate leftovers.
Recipe From: Farm Flavor - www.farmflavor.com
http://farmflavor.com/macaroni-and-cheese-spinach-sun-dried-tomatoes/

POSTED IN: Baked, Dairy Products, Family Friendly, Healthy, Pasta, Potluck Dishes, Side Dishes, Vegetarian, Winter

TAGGED: , , , , ,

 

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Comments

  2. Cindys Recipes and Writings says:
    January 4, 2013 at 9:32 am

    I love the kicked-up nutrition in your recipe! Thanks for sharing at Foodie Friends Friday! Please come back Sunday and vote your favorites!

    Reply
  3. Diane Balch says:
    January 4, 2013 at 1:06 pm

    Sun dried tomatoes have been off my radar. Love this recipe. Thanks for sharing it on foodie friday.

    Reply
  4. Diane Balch says:
    January 11, 2013 at 6:31 am

    Congrats, your mac n cheese dish is being featured on foodie friday today. I will be tweeting and pinning it this week. Pick up your featured button and thank you for being part of our food party.

    Reply