PANERA BREAD – MAC AND CHEESE (Family-Friendly Healthier Version)
⏱️ 30 minutes👥 6 servings❤️ Taste: 9/10
Nutrition Facts
Calories
N/A
Protein
N/Ag
Carbs
N/Ag
Fiber
N/Ag
Health Benefits
Gut Health7/10
Anti-Inflammatory7/10
Blood Sugar Control7/10
Ingredients
- •• 16 oz whole grain pasta shells (instead of white pasta)
- •• 2 cups low-fat milk (instead of whole milk)
- •• 2 cups reduced-fat white cheddar cheese
- •• 4 oz Neufchâtel cheese (instead of cream cheese)
- •• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (instead of heavy cream)
- •• 1 tbsp whole wheat flour (instead of white flour)
- •• 2 tbsp olive oil (instead of butter)
- •• 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
- •• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- •• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 11. Cook pasta according to package directions
- 22. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat
- 33. Whisk in flour until smooth
- 44. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly
- 55. Add Neufchâtel cheese and stir until melted
- 66. Add cheddar cheese and Greek yogurt
- 77. Stir in mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
- 88. Add cooked pasta and stir until well combined
Smart Substitutions
• White pasta→Whole grain pasta
More fiber, steadier energy
💡 30% lower
• Cream cheese→Neufchâtel cheese
Less fat, same texture
💡 15% lower
• Heavy cream→Greek yogurt
More protein, less fat
💡 25% lower