Skinny creamy mac and cheese is a lightened-up version of the classic and very low in points for Weight Watchers. It only requires 5 simple ingredients.
I couldn't believe my eyes at the points for 1 serving of this mac and cheese when adding this to the recipe builder! Points are always listed in the notes section of this recipe below.
This mac and cheese is made slightly different than regular mac and cheese. You make a slurry out of the milk and flour and pour use that as a thickener instead of roux. It works trust me cause I’ve done it plenty of times with soup before.
Serve this as a side with protein and some fresh greens for a full meal.
If you're looking for more great low-calorie recipes try Spaghetti Carbonara or Low Sodium Taco Salad.
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What Ingredients do I need?
- Medium sized shells - Use whatever type of small-sized pasta shape is in your pantry.
- Milk - Dairy does not like me at all so I go for a lactose free milk such as Fairlife. It also has more protein in it.
- Flour - is a type of wheat flour that is commonly used in cooking and baking. It is versatile and can be used for a variety of recipes, including bread, cakes, cookies, and pastries.
- Sharp cheddar cheese - Reduced-Fat Cheese has a lower calorie count and less saturated fat than regular cheese, but it may also have a different taste and texture. It also helps with keeping the calorie count pretty low for this recipe.
- salt and pepper to taste
- Panko bread crumbs - are a type of breadcrumb commonly used in Japanese cuisine. Panko bread crumbs can be found in most grocery stores and are often used as a substitute for traditional breadcrumbs in recipes.
- Parsley for garnish
- See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
How to make Skinny Mac and Cheese
Step 1: In a medium sauce pan, boil the medium shells for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
Step 2: While the noodles are cooking let the 2 cups of milk come to a simmer in a medium sauce pan. Whisk the remaining ½ cup of milk and ¼ cup of flour together in a bowl until the flour is combined. Add to the cups of milk that is simmering on the stove top. Let the milk and flour thicken for another 5 minutes. Add in salt and pepper for seasoning.
Step 3: Stir in the cheese until melted and combine the cheese with the noodles.
Step 4: Put the broiler on high and add noodles to some oven proof bowls such as ramekins. Sprinkle some panko over the top and let the panko brown in the oven.
Serving Size: 1 cup
What can I serve with mac and cheese?
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be served as a main dish or a side dish. If you're looking for some ideas to serve with mac and cheese, here are a few suggestions:
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast: Adding some protein to your meal can make it more filling. Grilled chicken is a great option that pairs well with mac and cheese. Sometimes I'll air fryer some Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Nuggets and drizzle some buffalo wing sauce on top.
- Air Fryer Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread can be a delicious addition to any pasta dish. Simply slice a baguette, brush with garlic butter, and toast in the oven.
- 5 Ingredient Tomato and Basil Blender Soup: A bowl of soup can be a comforting and satisfying side dish. Tomato soup or vegetable soup are great options that pair well with mac and cheese.
Equipment Needed
Here are some tools that will help will help you with the recipes. All links will open in Amazon. Yes I do get a small earning if purchase from the link
Sauce Pan - Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue
Cheese Grater - Rotary Cheese Grater - Round Tumbling Box Shredder for Vegetable, Nuts, Potato or Cheeses
Other Recipes To Try
If you tried this Skinny Creamy Mac and Cheese any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you! Follow along on Tiktok @jennarecipediaries
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Skinny Creamy Mac and Cheese
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 20min
- Total Time: 40min
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Easy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Skinny creamy mac and cheese is a lightened-up version of the classic and very low in points for Weight Watchers. It only requires 5 simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 10 oz of medium sized shells
- 2 cups of 1% milk plus ½ cup
- ¼ cup of flour
- ¾ cup of sharp cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
- 6 tablespoons of panko bread crumbs
- parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium sauce pan, boil the medium shells for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- While the noodles are cooking let the 2 cups of milk come to a simmer in a medium sauce pan. Whisk the remaining ½ cup of milk and ¼ cup of flour together in a bowl until the flour is combined. Add to the cups of milk that is simmering on the stove top. Let the milk and flour thicken for another 5 minutes. Add in salt and pepper for seasoning.
- Stir in the cheese until melted and combine the cheese with the noodles.
- Put the broiler on high and add noodles to some oven proof bowls such as ramekins. Sprinkle some panko over the top and let the panko brown in the oven.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
Notes
WW Points 5 Click here to see in recipe builder (will have to log in)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 282
- Fat: 9.34
- Saturated Fat: 4.86
- Carbohydrates: 34.91
- Fiber: 1.6
- Protein: 13.72
Nikki says
I enjoy this recipe as does my family but the measurements don’t work out. I did the 2X amount and it says 20oz pasta which is 2.5 cups, that means only 2 servings and a half? I’ve always added way more pasta as the 4.5 cups of milk would be mostly sauce no noodles if I did 2.5 cups. Just could really figure out the math on this one, maybe I’m the only one?
pat says
this recipe was very good and creamy when it was hot. how do you keep it creamy when reheated. it was very tasty
Lisa says
I make this a few times a year and love it. I use unsweetened almond milk (I don’t drink regular milk) and the Kraft fat free shredded cheddar. So I’d assume the calories and fat content would be a bit less than what this lists. I usually roast some broccoli as a side and make it a meal 🙂
Jenna says
Thanks, I wouldn't worry too much about the points if its off by 1 or 2. 😉 Brands are different points wise and so is everybody's idea of a serving size.
Destiny Dewar says
Thank you, I love your recipes and was excited to try this.
While it was delicious, I found 1/2 cup ended up being around 7 points on blue. I’m curious what others measured.
Thanks for all your recipes!
Jenna says
but milk???
Anna says
Would but milk as an okay milk substitute?
Wendy says
Delicious! So tasty and creamy, easy to make! So much better than any boxed Mac and Chesse!
Jenna says
This is a pretty old recipe and I haven’t made it in a while. Not sure what the serving size is but you can figure that out your self by portioning out the recipe into 8 equal servings.
Sam says
How many cups in a serving ?