Description
A lighter take on the classic comfort food, this Low Calorie Chicken Mac and Cheese combines lean chicken breast and whole wheat pasta with a creamy, low-fat cheese sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal without the extra calories.
Ingredients
8 ounces whole wheat elbow macaroni
12 ounces skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups skim milk
1 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons plain nonfat Greek yogurt
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the all-purpose flour and skim milk over medium heat. Continue whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese and shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, and salt to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
Stir in the plain nonfat Greek yogurt to add creaminess and tanginess to the sauce.
Add the cooked macaroni and chicken pieces to the cheese sauce and stir gently until everything is well coated.
Return the skillet to low heat and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
