Homemade Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese for Family Dinners

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a warm, creamy bowl of mac and cheese. With this Good Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese, you can indulge in all the cheesy goodness you crave without worrying about the extra calories or points. This lightened-up version features a creamy sauce, tender pasta, and rich flavors that are perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a simple treat for yourself.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces whole wheat or high-protein elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or skim milk)
• 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cooking spray (for the baking dish, if baking)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
2. Gradually pour in the almond milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
3. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and ground mustard (if using). Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat the macaroni evenly.

Optional Baking Step

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared dish. For a golden crust, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top and bake for 10-15 minutes or until bubbly and lightly browned.

Nutritional Information

(Per Serving)

• Calories: ~250
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 4g
• WW Points: ~6 (depending on specific ingredients and plan)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Healthier Comfort Food: This recipe retains all the creamy, cheesy goodness of traditional mac and cheese while keeping it light and Weight Watchers-friendly.
2. Simple Ingredients: No complicated or hard-to-find ingredients—just pantry staples and fresh cheese.
3. Customizable: You can easily swap out cheeses or add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or peas to make it more filling.
4. Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this dish, making it perfect for family meals.

Tips for Success

• Use High-Quality Cheese: For the best flavor, choose sharp or extra-sharp reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
• Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, use 2% milk instead of almond milk, or add an extra tablespoon of flour to the roux.
• Boost the Fiber: Opt for whole wheat or high-protein pasta to make the dish even more filling and nutritious.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Good Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, balanced meal.
• For added protein, serve it with grilled chicken, turkey meatballs, or even a sprinkle of crispy turkey bacon.
• It’s also great as a potluck dish—just double the recipe for a crowd!

This Good Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese proves you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for health. With its creamy sauce and cheesy goodness, it’s a satisfying meal or side dish that fits perfectly into your Weight Watchers lifestyle. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a hungry family, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation!