Light Macaroni And Cheese Italiano(Lo-Fat)
A light, creamy, and flavorful macaroni and cheese with smoked ham, perfect for a satisfying family dinner or casual gathering. Lower in fat but rich in taste.
Ingredients
- 2 qt. water ⓘ
- 8 tsp. low-sodium chicken bouillon
- 8 oz. tube pasta ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. smoked ham, thinly sliced and cut into 1/2-inch strips ⓘ
- 1 c. 2% milk ⓘ
- 1 c. nonfat milk
- 2/3 c. liquid egg substitute ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. unbleached all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper ⓘ
- 3 oz. reduced fat sharp Cheddar cheese, grated ⓘ
- 1 oz. Parmesan cheese, freshly grated ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large pot, bring water and bouillon to a boil. Add pasta and boil 8 minutes or until just done; drain well.
- Spray a 9 x 13-inch glass baking dish with nonstick vegetable oil.
- Place half the cooked pasta in the dish and cover with half of the ham strips.
- Repeat with the remaining pasta and ham.
- In a bowl, combine milk, egg substitute, flour, salt, and pepper; pour over the pasta and ham in the dish.
- Sprinkle with grated reduced-fat sharp Cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake about 30 minutes or until the custard is set and casserole is lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using regular milk instead of nonfat milk. You can substitute the smoked ham with cooked turkey or chicken for a leaner option. To add more flavor, try incorporating some Italian seasonings like oregano or basil. If you're short on time, pre-cooked pasta can be used to speed up the cooking process.
Serving Suggestions
This Light Macaroni And Cheese Italiano pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside grilled chicken or roasted vegetables. It makes a great dish for potlucks or family gatherings, offering a lighter twist on a classic comfort food.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be careful not to overheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Light Macaroni And Cheese Italiano(Lo-Fat) contains roughly 244 calories, with 17g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value) and calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1971mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this macaroni and cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to adjust the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge to ensure it's heated through.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the tube pasta with a gluten-free pasta variety. Ensure that the chicken bouillon is also gluten-free, and you can enjoy this dish without gluten while maintaining its delicious flavors.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of this dish?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or garlic to the ham layer. You could also mix in some spinach or other vegetables for added nutrition. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top before serving can provide a delightful kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).