Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, any short pasta like macaroni, shells, or rotini works well if snowflake pasta isn't available.

How can I make the dish vegan?

Substitute dairy cheeses and milk with plant-based alternatives and use vegan butter to keep the creamy texture.

Steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas stirred in before baking add freshness and nutrients without overpowering flavors.

Fresh parsley gives a bright, herbaceous note, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch—adjust quantity accordingly.

Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil and Parmesan, then bake uncovered until golden brown for a perfect crunch.

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 favorite in my family thanks to its comforting yet lighter twist on classic mac & cheese.

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)

Preheat Oven:: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a baking dish (about 1.5–2 liters/quarts).
Cook Pasta:: 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.
Make Roux:: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a roux.
Add Milk:: Gradually whisk in the milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 4–5 minutes).
Combine Cheese Sauce:: 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.
Mix Pasta and Sauce:: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
Prepare Baking Dish:: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Make Topping:: In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, olive oil, Parmesan, and parsley (if using). Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
Bake:: Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the sauce is bubbling.
Rest:: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

This recipe always brings my family together especially on chilly evenings when comfort food is a must.

Large pot, Saucepan, Whisk, Baking dish, Mixing bowls, Measuring cups and spoons

Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and cheese (dairy). Check pasta and cheese labels if you have specific allergies.

Calories 410, Total Fat 13 g, Carbohydrates 51 g, Protein 21 g per serving

This lighter mac & cheese bake is a perfect balance of comfort and nutrition that the whole family will enjoy.

→ Can I use a different pasta shape?: Yes, any short pasta like macaroni, shells, or rotini works well if snowflake pasta isn't available.
→ How can I make the dish vegan?: Substitute dairy cheeses and milk with plant-based alternatives and use vegan butter to keep the creamy texture.
→ What can I add for extra vegetables?: Steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas stirred in before baking add freshness and nutrients without overpowering flavors.
→ Is it better to use fresh or dried herbs for the topping?: Fresh parsley gives a bright, herbaceous note, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch—adjust quantity accordingly.
→ How do I get a crispy topping?: Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil and Parmesan, then bake uncovered until golden brown for a perfect crunch.