Pin It A creamy, comforting pasta bake featuring whimsical snowflake-shaped pasta, made lighter with reduced-fat cheese and a crisp breadcrumb topping.
This pasta bake has become a family favorite thanks to its fun shape and lighter ingredients.
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.
Pin It My family always gathers around eagerly for this creamy bake, making it a cozy weekend tradition.
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.
Pin It This lightened mac and cheese pasta bake delivers comfort with a healthy twist perfect for family meals.
Recipe FAQs
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Snowflake-shaped or any fun short pasta shapes hold the sauce well and add visual appeal, but elbow macaroni or shells work too.
- → How is the cheese sauce thickened?
The sauce is thickened using a classic roux made from butter and flour, cooked with low-fat milk until creamy and smooth.
- → Can this dish be made vegetarian?
Yes, the dish is vegetarian as written, using cheeses and dairy without meat ingredients.
- → What can I substitute for Dijon mustard?
A mild yellow mustard or a small pinch of dry mustard powder can be used to maintain the subtle tang in the cheese sauce.
- → How do I achieve a crispy topping?
Mix whole wheat breadcrumbs with olive oil and Parmesan, sprinkle evenly over the pasta, and bake until golden brown for a crunchy topping.