Let me say right off the bat that technically, this dish isn’t Macaroni and Cheese. It’s Rigatoni and Cheese … but who’s going to search for “Rigatoni and Cheese” on the internet? So I took the liberty of giving this recipe a more common name. I’m sharing this Light Macaroni and Cheese recipe as part of the first ever Taste of the Seasons progressive dinner! Visit my friends at the end of this post for the rest of the seasonal online meal! You’ll find lots of tempting and scrumptious dishes!
Normally I think of mac and cheese as cold weather comfort food, but this version is lighter with less fat. So when you’re craving good ole mac and cheese in spring and summer … this is the recipe you want!
Tasty but not too filling, with 3 cheeses to tantalize your taste buds.
Serve it with a side of green vegetables like broccoli, brussel sprouts, or asparagus.
The recipe is a slight variation of the Rigatoni with Three Cheeses recipe from Weight Watchers Simply the Best Italian cookbook
. Each serving is 253 calories with 6 grams of fat and 15 grams of protein.
This Light Macaroni and Cheese dish is ready to eat in about 30 minutes, perfect for spring when you’re itching to spend more time outdoors, or chauffeuring kids to baseball games and dance recitals.
Light Macaroni and Cheese
3 c. rigatoni
1/2 c. fat-free milk
1/3 c. shredded skim milk mozzarella cheese
1/4 c. grated fontina cheese
2 T. minced flat leaf parsley
1 T. fresh thyme leaves
1/4 t. ground white pepper
2 T. Parmesan grated cheese
1/4 c. Panko crumbs
Preheat oven to 425 degrees farenheit. Spray 1-quart baking dish with non-stick spray. Cook rigatoni according to package directions. Drain and return to pot. Stir in milk, mozzarella, fontina, parsley, thyme, and pepper. Spoon into the baking dish and sprinkle with the Parmesan and Panko crumbs. Bake until golden, about 15-18 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
See what else is on our Taste of the Seasons Progressive Dinner at the blogs below!
Drinks:
The Chronicles of Home – Spring Cocktail
Appetizer:
Finding Silver Pennies – Coronation Chicken
Salads:
Craftberry Bush – Quinoa Beet Salad
Shades of Blue Interiors – Citrus Berry Salad
Entree:
Town & Country Living – Light Macaroni And Cheese
Side:
Ella Claire Blog -10 Minute Bacon Asparagus
Dessert:
Clean & Scentsible – Cookies & Cream Frozen Dessert
You had me at fontina cheese and panko break crumbs! What a smart twist on a classic! This looks like it would be delish with some chopped chicken too! Love it Jen! xo
You’re right, I don’t usually think of mac and cheese as a spring dish, but my family loves it year round and this looks great!
Ooooh, how I LOVE pasta. This would be great served family style for a big crowd. Thanks for the recipe.
Okay, that looks really good and, since it’s light, that means I can eat twice as much, right???
There are times when everyone just needs a little comfort food.
Brenda
My kids love mac n cheese and a lightened up version is always a good thing. Pinned.
Mmm. Macaroni and cheese. Comfort food no matter which way you make it!