If you're craving a bowl of creamy, cheesy mac and cheese but want to keep your meal lighter, this Weight Watchers Mac and Cheese is an easy recipe to add to your menu. It has all the cozy comfort-food flavors you want from mac and cheese without being overly complicated to make.
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.
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
Pro Tips for Mac and Cheese
- Don't overcook the pasta: Cook the macaroni just until al dente. It will continue cooking slightly when combined with the cheese sauce.
- Use freshly shredded cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and helps create a creamy sauce.
- Keep the heat low: When adding the cheese, use low heat and stir frequently to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy.
- Adjust the consistency: If the mac and cheese seems too thick, stir in a small amount of milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Taste before serving: Depending on the cheese and seasonings you use, you may want to adjust the salt, pepper, or other seasonings.
- Watch your portions: For a Weight Watchers-friendly meal, portion the mac and cheese before serving so it's easy to keep track of your serving size and points.
Serving Suggestions
Weight Watchers Mac and Cheese makes a delicious side dish alongside grilled chicken, turkey burgers, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
You can also make it a complete meal by stirring in cooked chicken, broccoli, peas, or other vegetables. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a little extra cheese on top before serving.
Storage and Freezing
Refrigerator: Allow the mac and cheese to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Mac and cheese can be frozen, although the texture may change slightly after thawing. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality.
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
Jenna says
The recipe makes 8 servings total. Divide 8 equal portions.
Sarah says
Is it 9 pts a serving? How much is in a serving?
Tammy says
Is serving size a cup or half cup or what?
Jenna says
Glad everyone liked it!
Charlotte says
Made this today, and the whole fam (including a picky toddler) loved it! I used an entire 1lb box of shell pasta but otherwise follow d the recipe exactly as written. Thank you!
Heather Tietz says
I am confused on the serving size? And is the calories per serving?
Becky says
I'm confused by the serving size. What does "8" mean?
Robin says
What does 8 serving size mean? 8oz?
Kelly says
very creamy, needs way more cheese. and more pasta cause that's a lot of sauce.
Olivia @ livforcake says
This looks SO delicious and I love the lighter version!