It’s easy to make your own warm, creamy, and delicious Mac and Cheese. Making it from scratch rather than buying it in the blue box is a great way to ensure your family is getting a healthy meal. To cut back on fat and calories, use fat-free evaporated milk instead of cream and part-skim Italian blend cheese instead of cheddar.
First, gather your ingredients.
You’ll need:
- 1 box (13 oz.) whole wheat penne pasta
- 2 cups low-fat or skim milk
- 1 can ( 12 oz.) low-fat or skim evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- pepper, to taste
- 2 cups Italian blend cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and boil for 5 minutes.
Remove from heat, drain, and set aside.
This gives your pasta a little head start to reduce the time it will need to cook in the slow cooker. Next, combine both milks, eggs, melted butter, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth.
Place the milk mixture in the slow cooker and add the pasta and Italian blend cheese. Sprinkle with pepper and stir.
Now sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top of pasta. Cook on low for 2/12 hours.
To add a bit of lean protein to your mac and cheese, you might try adding some grilled chicken to the recipe. Cut 2 chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Heat a tablespoon of canola or olive oil to a skillet.
Once the oil is heated, add the chicken.
When the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set aside. Now it’s time to add the chicken and bread crumbs to the slow cooker.
Switch your slow cooker temperature to high. Cook for another 30 minutes. Then serve.
With dairy, grains, and protein already added to your meal, be sure to make half your plate fruits and vegetables for a MyPlate meal. Enjoy!
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