Save A creamy, comforting pasta bake featuring whimsical snowflake-shaped pasta made lighter with reduced-fat cheese and a crisp breadcrumb topping
This dish quickly became a family favorite for its fun pasta shape and comforting flavors without the heaviness of traditional mac and cheese
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
Save This recipe creates warm moments with loved ones enjoying a lighter twist on a comfort classic
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. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days
Required Tools
Large pot Saucepan Whisk Baking dish Mixing bowls Measuring cups and spoons
Nutritional Information
Calories 410 Total Fat 13 g Carbohydrates 51 g Protein 21 g per serving
Save This lightened mac & cheese bake delivers comfort and fun without the guilt
Recipe Guide
- → What pasta works best for this bake?
Short, fun-shaped pastas like snowflake or other shapes hold sauce well and add visual appeal.
- → How can I make the cheese sauce creamier?
Slowly whisking milk into a butter-flour roux and using a blend of cheeses creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, stirring in steamed broccoli or spinach before baking adds nutrition and flavor.
- → What gives the topping its crisp texture?
The whole wheat breadcrumbs combined with olive oil and Parmesan create a crunchy golden crust when baked.
- → How long should it rest before serving?
Allow it to rest for 5 minutes after baking to let the sauce thicken and flavors meld.