Save A creamy, comforting pasta bake featuring whimsical snowflake-shaped pasta, made lighter with reduced-fat cheese and a crisp breadcrumb topping.
I remember making this for a family dinner, and everyone loved the fun shape of the pasta combined with the creamy cheese sauce that wasn't too heavy.
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 dish always brings smiles to my family's faces, especially seeing the kids delight in the snowflake pasta shapes.
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
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and cheese (dairy). Check pasta and cheese labels if you have specific allergies.
Save This lighter mac & cheese pasta bake is sure to become a family favorite thanks to its creamy texture and fun pasta shape.
Kitchen Q&A
- → What pasta shape is used in this bake?
Snowflake-shaped pasta is featured for a fun, whimsical appearance, though any short pasta works well.
- → How is the cheese sauce prepared?
The sauce combines low-fat milk with reduced-fat sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, thickened with a butter and flour roux, and flavored with Dijon mustard and spices.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, steamed broccoli or spinach can be stirred in before baking to add nutrition and color.
- → How do I achieve the crispy topping?
A mixture of whole wheat breadcrumbs, olive oil, Parmesan, and parsley is sprinkled on top before baking to create a golden crust.
- → What is the cooking time for the bake?
The dish bakes for 15 to 18 minutes at 200°C (400°F) until the topping is golden and the sauce is bubbling.
- → Are there any allergy considerations?
This dish contains wheat gluten and dairy. Check ingredient labels if you have specific allergies.