Creamy mac & cheese bake with fun-shaped pasta, lighter cheeses, and crunchy topping for comforting flavor.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 10.5 oz snowflake-shaped pasta
→ Cheese Sauce
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
04 - 2 cups low-fat milk
05 - 1 cup reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
06 - ½ cup reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
07 - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
09 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
10 - ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
11 - ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
12 - Pinch ground nutmeg (optional)
→ Topping
13 - ¼ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
14 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
15 - 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
16 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Set oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 1.6 to 2 quart baking dish.
02 - Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook pasta until just al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
03 - Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour continuously for 1 minute to create a roux.
04 - Gradually add milk while whisking. Cook and stir constantly until sauce thickens, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and blend in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and nutmeg until smooth.
05 - Mix the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
06 - Transfer pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
07 - In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, olive oil, Parmesan, and parsley if using. Spread evenly over the pasta.
08 - Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until topping is golden and sauce bubbles.
09 - Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
