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Photo Credit: Lauren Volo

Lighter Macaroni and Cheese

15 MINPrep Time
15 MINCook Time
6Servings
by Giada De Laurentiis
Beginner
Photo Credit: Lauren Volo
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An adaptation of the recipe in my first book, Everyday Italian, this lightened-up version is also gluten free. Greek yogurt gives it the rich, creamy texture of cream and butter without the fat, and the rice cereal adds a boost of fiber and the perfect crunch.

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Lighter Macaroni and Cheese

Servings

1 Serving

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Calories

369

Author:

Giada De Laurentiis

Image of Lighter Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients

  • 1 12-ounce bag of rice flour penne, such as Bionaturae
  • 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 shallot (minced)
  • ½ cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 15- ounce container part-skim ricotta cheese
  • ¼ cup fat-free Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup about ¼ pound shredded Gruyère or Emmentaler cheese
  • ½ teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne
  • ½ cup oven-toasted rice cereal (such as Chex, crushed)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the broiler to high.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package directions, just until al dente. Drain well, reserving 1/3 cup of pasta water for the sauce.
  3. Heat a 3-quart ovenproof pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil and shallots and cook, stirring often, until the shallots have softened and are translucent. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  4. Turn off the heat and add the ricotta, yogurt, shredded Gruyère, thyme, salt, cayenne, and reserved pasta water. Whisk until combined. Add the cooked pasta and fold into the sauce until it is well coated.
  5. In a small bowl, mix the crushed rice cereal with the Parmesan. Sprinkle the mixture over the pasta and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, or until golden brown on top and bubbly.

Nutrition

Nutrition

Nutrition Serving Size
1 Serving
per serving
Calories
369
Amount/Serving % Daily Value
Fat
27.3 grams
42%
Saturated Fat
15.2 grams
76%
Trans Fat
0 grams
Cholesterol
79.9 milligrams
27%
Sodium
587.3 milligrams
24%
Carbs
10.1 grams
3%
Fiber
0.5 grams
2%
Sugar
1.6 grams
Protein
20.9 grams
42%
Iron
0.7 milligrams
7%
Potassium
144.8 milligrams
3%
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gluten free
nut free
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1 comment

  • Author's avatar image
    Karen Zamora - Jun 08
    ★★★★★
    ★★★★★

    Super easy and delicious… I made the mac and cheese this weekend and everyone loved it.. I had a lil leftovers and took to work on Monday and everyone was "your food smells amazing " definitely making it again… thanks Giada

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