How to Make No Bake Mac and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese may not be "diet food," but it qualifies as comfort food, and a delicious treat on a cold day. This no-bake recipe requires a bit of prep, but you can make it quickly. Using whole wheat pasta and adding some broccoli makes it a healthy choice as well. .

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 8 ounces whole-wheat elbow noodles
• 1 medium head broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 3/4 cups skim milk, divided
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook broccoli florets a few minutes until bright green. Remove from hot water with a slotted spoon.
2. Add pasta to pot and cook following the package directions. Drain.
3. Heat 1 1/2 cups milk in another large pot over medium-high heat until it simmers. Whisk the remaining 1/4 cup milk, flour, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl until combined. Add the flour mixture to the simmering milk. Return to a simmer and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture is thickened. This should take 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in cheddar, parmesan and mustard until the cheese melts.
4. Add the broccoli and pasta to the cheese sauce. Return to the heat and cook, stirring, over medium-low heat, until heated through. About 1 minute. Serves 4.

Tips & Warnings

• Use frozen chopped broccoli to save time. One 10-ounce package should do it.
• Be careful when making your cheese sauce so that you don't scald your milk!