Garden Fresh Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in a healthier twist on classic macaroni and cheese with this Garden Fresh Macaroni and Cheese recipe. Packed with colorful, nutrient-rich vegetables, this dish is perfect for the whole family! The creamy blend of Neufchatel cheese and low-fat buttermilk creates a luscious sauce that is both comforting and satisfying. This casserole can be enjoyed as a hearty main course or as a savory side dish. For an extra protein boost, consider adding your choice of chopped, cooked chicken or turkey. Low in sodium, this recipe ensures you can enjoy comfort food without compromising your health!
12
Servings
200
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
1 lb (prepared according to package instructions and drained)
frozen mixed vegetables
16 ounces (thawed (recommend broccoli, red pepper, onions, and mushrooms))
Neufchatel cheese
8 ounces (softened (or use reduced-fat cream cheese))
low-fat buttermilk
1 cup (none)
sharp cheddar cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
black pepper
to taste (none)
garlic powder
1 dash (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, thawed mixed vegetables, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
3
In a food processor, blend together the softened Neufchatel cheese and low-fat buttermilk until smooth and creamy.
4
Gently fold the cheese and buttermilk mixture into the macaroni and vegetable blend. Stir in half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until just combined.
5
Transfer the mixture to a large casserole dish that has been lightly coated with non-stick cooking spray, spreading it evenly.
6
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
8
For a crispy top, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, watching closely until the cheese is golden brown and crisp.
9
Remove from the oven and allow to sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
30g
Carbs
10g
Protein
varies by ingredients
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garden Fresh Macaroni and Cheese?
It is a healthier twist on classic macaroni and cheese that incorporates colorful, nutrient-rich vegetables and a creamy sauce made with Neufchatel cheese and low-fat buttermilk.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 12 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of elbow macaroni, prepared according to package instructions and drained.
Which vegetables are recommended for the frozen mixed vegetable component?
It is recommended to use a mix of broccoli, red pepper, onions, and mushrooms.
How much frozen mixed vegetables should I use?
You will need 16 ounces of frozen mixed vegetables, thawed.
What is Neufchatel cheese?
Neufchatel cheese is a soft, creamy cheese similar to cream cheese but typically lower in fat.
Can I substitute Neufchatel cheese?
Yes, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese as a substitute for softened Neufchatel cheese.
What kind of buttermilk is used in the sauce?
The recipe requires 1 cup of low-fat buttermilk.
What type of cheddar cheese is best for this dish?
The recipe recommends using 8 ounces of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
How do I prepare the cheese sauce?
In a food processor, blend together the softened Neufchatel cheese and low-fat buttermilk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
What seasonings are added to the macaroni?
The dish is seasoned with black pepper to taste and one dash of garlic powder.
How should the ingredients be assembled?
Combine the cooked macaroni, vegetables, and seasonings, then fold in the buttermilk mixture and half of the cheddar cheese.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly.
How can I achieve a crispy top on the macaroni and cheese?
Switch the oven to broil for the final 4-5 minutes of cooking until the cheese is golden brown and crisp.
Is this recipe considered low in sodium?
Yes, it is tagged as a low-sodium recipe, though the exact amount varies by specific ingredient brands used.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, you can add chopped, cooked chicken or turkey for an extra protein boost.
How much fat is in each serving?
Each serving contains 5g of fat.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 10g of protein in each serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, the mixture should be transferred to a large casserole dish that has been lightly coated with non-stick cooking spray.
What is the recipe category?
This recipe is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
Can this be served as a side dish?
Yes, this casserole can be enjoyed as either a hearty main course or a savory side dish.
How much garlic powder is required?
The recipe calls for 1 dash of garlic powder.
What should I do after the casserole is finished baking?
Remove it from the oven and allow it to sit for a few minutes before serving.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it is tagged as family-friendly and is a great way to serve vegetables to kids in a familiar cheesy pasta format.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The blend of Neufchatel and low-fat buttermilk creates a luscious, creamy, and satisfying sauce.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 primary ingredients in this recipe.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include comfort food, healthy recipe, garden fresh, and cheesy pasta.