Pin It A creamy, comforting pasta bake featuring whimsical snowflake-shaped pasta, made lighter with reduced-fat cheese and a crisp breadcrumb topping.
This dish has become a family favorite for cozy weeknights and always brings smiles at the dinner table.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 300 g (10.5 oz) snowflake-shaped pasta (or any fun-shaped short pasta)
- Cheese Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 500 ml (2 cups) low-fat milk, 120 g (1 cup) reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese shredded, 60 g (½ cup) reduced-fat mozzarella cheese shredded, 30 g (¼ cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp ground black pepper, ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste), Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
- Topping: 30 g (¼ cup) whole wheat breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a baking dish (about 1.5 2 liters/quarts).
- Step 2:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the snowflake pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3:
- In a medium saucepan melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Step 4:
- Gradually whisk in the milk. Cook stirring constantly until the mixture thickens (about 4 5 minutes).
- Step 5:
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar mozzarella Parmesan Dijon mustard garlic powder black pepper salt and nutmeg. Mix until cheeses are melted and sauce is smooth.
- Step 6:
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
- Step 7:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Step 8:
- In a small bowl combine breadcrumbs olive oil Parmesan and parsley (if using). Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
- Step 9:
- Bake for 15 18 minutes or until the topping is golden and the sauce is bubbling.
- Step 10:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Pin It Sharing this dish has created many joyful family moments around the dinner table.
Notes
For extra veggies stir in 1 cup of steamed broccoli or spinach before baking. Swap cheddar for Gruyère for a nuttier flavor. Serve with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
Required Tools
Large pot Saucepan Whisk Baking dish Mixing bowls Measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) milk and cheese (dairy). Check pasta and cheese labels if you have specific allergies.
Pin It This lightened mac & cheese bake is the perfect blend of comfort and health, ideal for any weeknight dinner.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best in this bake?
Short, fun-shaped pasta like snowflake shapes is ideal, but any similar short pasta will work well to hold the creamy sauce.
- → How can I make the cheese sauce smoother?
Whisk the butter and flour to form a roux before gradually adding milk. Stir constantly and cook until thickened to ensure a smooth sauce.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, stirring in steamed broccoli or spinach before baking adds flavor and nutrition without altering the creamy texture.
- → What’s the purpose of Dijon mustard in the sauce?
Dijon mustard adds subtle tang and depth, enhancing the overall flavor of the cheese sauce.
- → How do I achieve a crisp topping?
Mix whole wheat breadcrumbs with olive oil and grated Parmesan before sprinkling on top, then bake until golden and crunchy.