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When trying to make a healthier macaroni and cheese, it's important to really think about the additions, deletions, and substitutions. We'd like to increase the nutritional profile, while removing some of the fat and calories...but, we still want it to taste like our favorite cheesy pasta! Adding some pureed vegetables can work well, but they can also change the flavor by a little or a lot.
If you look below, the two bowls are different by only one ingredient. Any guesses??
I'll give you a hint...the one that reminds you of our favorite blue box has the extra ingredient. But, you won't find any orange cheese powder here! No way!
That beautiful orange color was created from...carrots!
And truth be told- I think it has the best flavor! Carrots have a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Plus, we've taken away some of the fat and calories by using broth and milk, instead of cream or whole milk. And, there's an extra boost of nutrients from the carrots and protein from the Greek yogurt. You can also get away with using only 1 cup of cheese, but I would choose one with a sharp flavor. If this was just for me, I also would have added some broccoli, but not everyone shares my love for those mini green florets.
This recipe works best with 1 lb. of pasta, but gluten free pastas usually only come in 12 oz. boxes. So, you can have an extra cheesy sauce (is there such a thing?!?), which is actually perfect if your dish is going to spend any time in the fridge. You could also add the cheese sauce gradually and then reserve any leftovers. It would work terrifically as a tortilla chip or veggie dip!
- Continue to stir/whisk the cheese sauce until the pasta is ready.
- Reserve some of the pasta water before draining the noodles.
- After draining, rinse the pasta with cold water.
- Stir in the pasta water and cheese sauce immediately after rinsing.
- Gluten free pasta can now be made from many alternatives- corn, quinoa, garbanzo beans, rice, millet, amaranth, cassava, lentils, beets... Keep trying until you find your favorite!
A comfort food classic, this mac and cheese is healthier and gluten free; yet, it's still bursting with cheesy goodness! With a little time and a few simple ingredients, you will have a dish creamier and cheesier than any box!
Note: You can get away with 1 cup of cheese, but choose one with a sharper flavor.
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