WW Broccoli Mac & Cheese

by

The WW Broccoli Mac & Cheese is a comforting and filling meal that combines soft pasta & cheesy sauce along with fresh broccoli. This dish is made lighter to allow you to indulge in the delectable taste of your favorite old-fashioned mac & cheese, but without exceeding your allotted number of points. The broccoli incorporates well with the cheesy sauce & introduces the texture, colour, & additional nutrition. The sauce is creamy & tasty, which covers each portion of pasta. The main thing is that this dish is ideal either at lunch/dinner, or as a snack at the reception. This WW Broccoli Mac & Cheese cooks up fast, & is excellent to put into meal prep.

STATS

  • Diet: Weight Watchers-Friendly
  • Course: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American
  • Time for prep: 10 minutes
  • Cooking time: 20 minutes
  • Working time (total): 30 minutes
  • Size/serving: 1 cup
  • Level of difficulty: Easy
  • Mode of cooking: Stovetop & baking (optional)
  • Total yield: 6 servings

EQUIPMENT

  • Large pot
  • Medium saucepan
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Whisk
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoon/spatula
  • Baking dish (optional for baked version)

INGREDIENTS

  • 8 oz whole wheat elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 tablespoon light butter
  • Two tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups skim milk
  • 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Half teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

INGREDIENT NOTES

Pasta:

  • Use whole wheat pasta to make it more filling. You are free to use regular pasta instead in case you want to, but points will shift.

Broccoli:

  • Fresh is preferable in terms of texture, and you can use frozen, just thaw and drain.

Light butter:

  • It gives flavor with reduced calories.

Flour:

  • Avoids lumps from forming by thickening the sauce & stirring it often.

Milk:

  • Skim milk adds creaminess to the sauce to make it less light and fat. It marries up with the cheese, leaving a silky texture that is not heavy.

Cheddar cheese:

  • Less-fat cheddar retains the dish’s creamy and cheesy qualities and cuts the overall fat content. It melts divinely, adding a traditional savory taste.

Parmesan:

  • Parmesan heightens the taste with its sharp, nutty taste. A small amount gives the sauce a wealth of flavor & depth.

Spices:

  • Onion powder, paprika, and garlic powder do not add any extra calories but make the food very tasty.

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Heat a big saucepan of water till it boils.
  2. Add the broccoli florets in the last three minutes of cooking the pasta according to the package’s instructions.
  3. After draining, set it aside.
  4. Now melt the butter on the light flame.
  5. To create a smooth paste, add the flour & mix for approximately one minute.
  6. Add the skim milk gradually, whisking to avoid lumps.
  7. Bake it for five to seven minutes, or till the mixture thickens.
  8. Add the paprika, Parmesan cheese, onion & garlic powders, cheddar cheese, salt, & pepper. Stir till the sauce is smooth and the cheese has melted.
  9. Stir the cooked pasta & broccoli into the sauce until they are well covered.
  10. Serve hot as is/ transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with a little extra cheese, & bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes for a baked version.

TIPS

  • Add 2 tablespoons of light cream cheese to the recipe to have an additional creaminess.
  • To add some crunch, add breadcrumbs of whole wheat on top and then bake them.
  • Other vegetables such as spinach, peas/cauliflower can be added.

STORAGE INFORMATION

Refrigerate:

  • You can store it for no longer than four days in a tightly sealed jar.

Freezer:

  • Store chilled servings for as long as two months in sealed containers. Must thaw in the freezer before serving.

FAQS

Is it ok to use pasta that does not contain gluten?

  • Yes, make it work to your needs by using your favorite gluten-free pasta.

May I make it in advance?

  • Of course, gather it all together & chill it, and then either reheat on the stovetop or in the oven.

Is frozen broccoli acceptable?

  • Yessir, just thaw & drain well, then add.

Can this be good even without baking?

  • Of course, it is creamy and great right out of the stove.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Calories: 210
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 5g
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 280mg
Each Weight Watchers point is worth six, depending on the specific elements utilized.