Healthier Mac and Cheese

What is it about comfort food that warms your soul? The day after Christmas brought us lots of snow. We were under a winter storm warning but the counties around us were under a blizzard warning. The day after the storm, I decided to go grocery shopping. I still have to walk around snow piles to bring the groceries in. So I was craving some comfort food.

This macaroni and cheese warms your soul and is also healthier then the boxed stuff. So I was happy to serve it to my family. :)

The Imaginative One said it was good. Hubby went and took a second helping so that must mean he loved it.

Healthier Mac and Cheese

Skinny Taste

Stars of the recipe:

• 
  
  12 oz. high fiber pasta (I used Ronzoni Smart Taste rotini. You can use whole wheat pasta if you want.)


• 2 tbsp. butter


• 1/4 c. flour (I used white whole wheat.)


• 1/4 c. minced onion


• 2 c. skim milk


• 1 c. chicken broth (I used 1 c. water with a chicken bullion cube.)


• 2 c. shredded cheddar cheese, reduced fat


• salt and pepper


• 2 c. baby spinach


• 1/4 c. panko bread

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.


2. Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions.


3. Meanwhile spray a baking dish with butter flavor cooking spray.


4. In a large, heavy skillet, melt the butter.


5. Add flour and cook over low heat stirring with a whisk. Add the onion and cook for about 2 minutes.


6. Add milk and chicken broth and continuing whisking. Raise the heat to medium heat until it begins to boil and becomes smooth and thick. Season with salt and pepper.


7. Once the milk mixture becomes thick, remove the skillet fro the the heat, add the cheese and mix until cheese is melted.


8. Drain the macaroni and put back in the pot. Add the spinach and cheese sauce. Stir to combine.


9. Pour into baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs.


10. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.


11. Take the dish out, spray with a little more butter flavored cooking spray on the top.


12. Broil for a few minutes to get the breadcrumbs golden.


13. Enjoy!