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Kale and Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese {Lightened Up with Greek Yogurt}

October 1, 2015 by lauren.kelly 79 Comments

This post and photos may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you purchase something through any link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. All opinions are my own.

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Your favorite, classic recipe just got a healthy makeover!  Greek yogurt adds protein without sacrificing the creaminess,  while kale adds tons of vitamins and a crunch too.

Kale and Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese made with Greek yogurt #HealthyPastaMonth

Disclaimer: I was compensated by Dreamfields Healthy Pasta to create this recipe. However, like always, the opinions are entirely my own. Promise 🙂

I love taking our favorite recipes and lightening them up while still keeping them simple and delicious.  That’s why I love Greek yogurt, it’s so incredibly versatile and so easy to substitute for higher fat creamy dishes (have you seen The Greek Yogurt Cookbook? 😉 )  This recipe is no exception.  It’s packed with flavor and lighter on fat and calories.

Did you know that October is National Pasta Month?  A whole month dedicated to one of my favorites things!  I am proud to partner with Dreamfields Pasta to share this creamy, healthier mac and cheese with you.  Why Dreamfields?  Dreamfields pasta contains a prebiotic fiber which helps promote healthy digestion as well as helping you feel full longer with 7 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber.  Dreamfields is made with premium durum wheat semolina in North Dakota. That’s why it has the same delicious taste and texture of traditional pasta.  I love the texture and even passes my picky kids’ test!

Kale and Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese made with Greek yogurt #HealthyPastaMonth

I am all about keeping my recipes simple and easy.  I don’t have the time (or desire) to spend hours cooking elaborate meals for my family.  The beauty of this recipe is that Dreamfields elbows take 8 minutes to cook and that’s it.  Mix it in the rest of the ingredients, stir and eat.  I love a good, healthy, easy recipe.  I mean, what busy mom doesn’t?

Kale and Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese made with Greek yogurt #HealthyPastaMonth
5 from 8 votes
Print

Kale and Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese

Course main dish, vegetarian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Author Lauren Kelly Nutrition

Ingredients

  • 1 box Dreamfields Elbows
  • 1 1/4 cups finely shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 6 ounces plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup 2% milk
  • 12 ounces fresh kale
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons ground flax
  • Fresh rosemary

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Return to pot; do not reheat.
  2. Immediately add Cheddar cheese, yogurt, milk and kale to pasta; stir to mix well allowing cheese to melt and kale to wilt.
  3. Sprinkle with flaxseed and Parmesan cheese. Garnish with rosemary, if desired.

Nutrition information (1/6 of recipe):  390 calories; 21 g protein; 54 g carbohydrates; 12 g total fat; 6 g saturated fat; 29 mg cholesterol; 230 mg sodium; 9 g total dietary fiber.

This is one of those dishes I can feed my kids in between driving back and forth to soccer, baseball and flag football and still have time to clean up after.  I topped off this with some ground flax seed which gave it a little more texture.  You can always add breadcrumbs if you’d like to substitute but ground flax provides extra fiber, protein and omega-3-fatty acids!

Kale and Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese made with Greek yogurt #HealthyPastaMonth

Are you feeling lucky?  We are excited to give away a family pack of Dreamfields (1 each of 7 shapes) and a $25 gift card!  Simply enter by leaving a comment telling me what the first recipe that you will make with your Dreamfields Pasta.  That’s it! Giveaway ends 12:00 p.m. EST on Thursday 10/8/15.

Please go and follow Dreamfields on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for an extra chance to win!  GIVEAWAY CLOSED! Thank you everyone that entered!

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Signature

Filed Under: Kids, Pasta, Recipes, Side Dishes, Vegetarian Tagged With: comfort food, Dreamfields Healthy Pasta, Greek yogurt, healthier, main dish, quick and easy



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Comments

  1. Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says

    October 2, 2015 at 11:07 am

    Pretty sure this needs to happen for lunch 😉

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      October 2, 2015 at 11:59 am

      Go for it Rachel, it’s super easy!

      Reply
  2. Julie @ Tastes of Lizzy T says

    October 2, 2015 at 11:10 am

    5 stars
    My daughter lives on mac ‘n cheese. I think I could slip in kale pretty easily without her having a problem with it. Great idea!

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      October 2, 2015 at 11:59 am

      Thanks Julie!

      Reply
  3. Jeffrey says

    October 2, 2015 at 11:22 am

    This looks fantastic, my son loves kale…as long as I bake it in the oven. We are actually making mac and cheese tonight and I might go with a broccoli/bacon mixture with Havarti. If I won this prize pack I would make some lasagna!

    Reply
    • Jeffrey says

      October 2, 2015 at 11:29 am

      I’m following Dreamfields on the four platforms, thanks!

      Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      October 2, 2015 at 11:58 am

      Good luck Jeffrey! I love lasagna 🙂

      Reply
  4. Arman @ thebigmansworld says

    October 2, 2015 at 11:40 am

    No the biggest kale fan but swirl it into mac and cheese and I’m game! 😀 Thanks Lauren!

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      October 2, 2015 at 11:58 am

      Thanks Arman!

      Reply
  5. Meg says

    October 2, 2015 at 11:44 am

    Mac and cheese
    Following on FB

    Reply
  6. lynn shriber says

    October 2, 2015 at 1:51 pm

    My family loves mac and cheese. I’ve never tried Kale but this recipe looks interesting!

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      October 2, 2015 at 3:14 pm

      You could also use spinach too, Lynn!

      Reply
      • Genie says

        March 6, 2017 at 5:44 pm

        5 stars
        I make one with spinach, portabella mushrooms and shredded carrots. SOOOOO tastyyyyy. Amy’s actually has broccoli and kale in so you could use both.

        Reply
        • lauren.kelly says

          March 6, 2017 at 7:24 pm

          That sounds delicious, Genie! Thanks so much for stopping by!

          Reply
  7. Sandy Headtke says

    October 2, 2015 at 3:10 pm

    My first dish would be Mac and Cheese. I would use broccoli insread of kale, but I want to try using the yogurt which is a great idea.

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      October 2, 2015 at 3:14 pm

      Yes I bet broccoli would also be delicious in here Sandy!

      Reply
  8. Sandy Headtke says

    October 2, 2015 at 3:11 pm

    I follow Dreamfields on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.

    Reply
  9. Maureen Tuohy says

    October 2, 2015 at 7:08 pm

    5 stars
    I love all the ingredients in the recipe you just put together…the Kale Mac and Cheese…this is one I will try for sure. Thanks.

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      October 2, 2015 at 7:27 pm

      Thank you Maureen!

      Reply
  10. Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says

    October 2, 2015 at 9:06 pm

    I love this idea for mac and cheese!! The fact that I won’t have to feel guilty eating it makes me pretty excited 🙂 I would make this or my homemade hamburger helper. Yum!

    Reply
  11. Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says

    October 2, 2015 at 9:08 pm

    I follow Dreamfields!

    Reply
  12. Aly ~ Cooking In Stilettos says

    October 2, 2015 at 9:16 pm

    I don’t think I have ever subbed in Greek yogurt in mac & cheese – I think it needs to be done. This recipe is perfect for this dreary day here in Philly – the perfect comforting dish 🙂

    Reply
  13. Jessica DeMay says

    October 2, 2015 at 9:24 pm

    I would make the copycat Panera mac and cheese. It’s delicious and I make it for my brother regularly.

    Reply
  14. Alexandra robertson says

    October 2, 2015 at 9:27 pm

    Oh kale yeah! This looks delicious. If I won the first thing I would make with the pasta would be buffalo chicken macaroni because my husband has been craving mac and cheese 🙂 I followed on all social medias too!

    Reply
  15. Terry Cross says

    October 2, 2015 at 10:04 pm

    The first thing I’d make is spaghetti

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      October 2, 2015 at 10:20 pm

      Smart choice Terry! 🙂

      Reply
  16. Terry Cross says

    October 2, 2015 at 10:06 pm

    I follow Dreamfields on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest

    Reply
  17. Gaylene says

    October 2, 2015 at 10:32 pm

    I will make Chicken and linguine in olive oil and butter and herbs…

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      October 2, 2015 at 10:41 pm

      Yum!!

      Reply
  18. Ashley says

    October 2, 2015 at 10:39 pm

    I would make mac and cheese too!

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      October 2, 2015 at 10:41 pm

      Good taste 🙂

      Reply
  19. Ashley says

    October 2, 2015 at 10:44 pm

    follow Dreamfields on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest

    Reply
  20. Kami says

    October 3, 2015 at 2:40 am

    I would make penne with roasted tomatoes, garlic and cauliflower, olive oil , herbs and shaved parmesan, it’s so yummy!

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      October 3, 2015 at 11:21 am

      That sounds delicious!

      Reply
  21. Brenda Haines says

    October 4, 2015 at 11:30 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe looks so good! I love mac n cheese and kale, why not put them together!? Great idea! This one is my choice!

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      October 4, 2015 at 11:34 pm

      Thanks so much Brenda! I hope you like it! Good luck 🙂

      Reply
  22. Brenda Haines says

    October 4, 2015 at 11:31 pm

    I follow dreamfields on all their social media.

    Reply
  23. Lisa Brown says

    October 5, 2015 at 12:28 pm

    5 stars
    I would make the vegetable lasagna
    jslbrown2009 at aol dot com

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      October 5, 2015 at 4:54 pm

      THat sounds so yummy Lisa!

      Reply
  24. Lisa Brown says

    October 5, 2015 at 12:29 pm

    following dreamfields on pinterest as https://www.pinterest.com/lisalu24/
    jslbrown2009 at aol dot com

    Reply
  25. Elle P. says

    October 5, 2015 at 4:34 pm

    I would love to make roasted veggie pasta primavera!

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      October 5, 2015 at 4:54 pm

      That sounds delicious Elle!

      Reply
  26. Elle P. says

    October 5, 2015 at 4:34 pm

    I follow Dreamfields on Pinterest

    Reply
  27. Tasha @thatssoyummy says

    October 6, 2015 at 1:13 pm

    That bowl has my name on it….

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      October 6, 2015 at 8:11 pm

      I hope you like it Tasha!

      Reply
  28. Tammy says

    October 6, 2015 at 7:21 pm

    I’m trying this Mac & cheese this weekend ! My adult son’s favorite dish is Mac Cheese–he will love that I put kale in the dish to appease his healthier eating !

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      October 6, 2015 at 8:10 pm

      I hope he likes it Tammy!

      Reply
  29. ILona says

    October 6, 2015 at 7:42 pm

    Bacon Mac and Cheese!

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      October 6, 2015 at 8:09 pm

      YUM!

      Reply
  30. David says

    October 6, 2015 at 7:44 pm

    5 stars
    The first thing I would make is oven-baked macaroni and cheese. There is nothing better than the golden brown cheese and gooey cheese mixture.

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      October 6, 2015 at 8:09 pm

      Love it David!

      Reply
  31. David says

    October 6, 2015 at 7:48 pm

    5 stars
    I follow Dreamfields on facebook as David Lintz and on pinterest and instagram as 1froglegs

    Reply
  32. Cecille says

    October 6, 2015 at 8:14 pm

    I would totally make this kale mac & cheese if I won! I am so thankful I came across your blog just by following Dreamfield!

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      October 6, 2015 at 8:27 pm

      Thank you Cecille! Good luck 🙂

      Reply
  33. Angela says

    October 6, 2015 at 9:36 pm

    OOh, I love mac and cheese, but my honey doesn’t care for it. I will be making this the next week when he doesn’t plan to make it home for dinner! I also love kale and plain greek yogurt. What a great idea to use them to make mac and cheese even better!

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      October 6, 2015 at 9:40 pm

      Thank you for stopping by Angela! I hope you enjoy it!

      Reply
  34. Lila says

    October 7, 2015 at 5:24 am

    I am so thankful for Dreamfields Pasta! I had completely given up eating pasta because I have to restrict my carbs. Now its the only pasta I buy,and it tastes great! I will be making the yummy macN cheese w/kale tomorrow for lunch. Thanks so much for all the recipes.

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      October 7, 2015 at 11:23 am

      I am so happy to hear that Lila!

      Reply
  35. Emily Smith says

    October 7, 2015 at 6:18 am

    I would love to make my grandma’s spaghetti recipe!

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      October 7, 2015 at 11:23 am

      That’s awesome Emily!

      Reply
  36. Helen says

    October 7, 2015 at 1:01 pm

    I love to use the spaghetti noodles with browned butter and mizithra cheese.

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      October 7, 2015 at 6:46 pm

      Yummy!

      Reply
  37. LaTanya says

    October 7, 2015 at 3:24 pm

    I want to try the Buffalo Chicken Pizza Mac & Cheese

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      October 7, 2015 at 6:46 pm

      Sounds delicious!

      Reply
  38. Amy S says

    October 7, 2015 at 11:32 pm

    This sounds fantastic! I also love the idea of cauliflower Mac and cheese on their site. 🙂

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      October 8, 2015 at 12:17 am

      Oh that does sound delicious Amy!

      Reply
  39. Natasha says

    October 7, 2015 at 11:54 pm

    Yum!!! Mac and cheese for sure…. Love making it with squash, spinach and garlic. 🙂

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      October 8, 2015 at 12:17 am

      That sounds fantastic Natasha!

      Reply
  40. Jennifer Essad says

    October 8, 2015 at 1:31 am

    5 stars
    the first recipe I’d make from the website would be the Penne Mediterranean Delight Salad

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      October 8, 2015 at 10:52 am

      That sounds amazing Jennifer!

      Reply
  41. lisa says

    October 8, 2015 at 2:09 pm

    First thing I’d make is our family favorite–homemade macaroni & cheese. We try different cheese combos, but I’ve never tried kale in there. Will do!

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      October 8, 2015 at 2:17 pm

      Homemade mac and cheese is the best Lisa!

      Reply
  42. Madonna says

    October 9, 2015 at 1:22 pm

    Its cool and rainy today so puts me in the mind to make soup. I would make a veggie pasta soup dish.

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      October 9, 2015 at 1:32 pm

      That sounds delicious!!

      Reply
  43. shelly peterson says

    October 23, 2015 at 5:29 am

    Normally I like to make stuffed pasta shells but they don’t have that type of pasta so I would make Mac N Cheese.
    cshell090869 at aol dot com

    Reply
  44. shelly peterson says

    October 23, 2015 at 5:31 am

    I follow Dreamfields on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest
    cshell090869 at aol dot com

    Reply
  45. sarah k says

    October 23, 2015 at 7:20 pm

    I really like kale chips and would like to include more darker greens like it in my diet, I think this would be a good recipe to start with:)

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      October 23, 2015 at 8:39 pm

      I hope you like it Sarah!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Healthy Weekly Meal Plan Week of 1.21.17 | greens & chocolate says:
    May 7, 2018 at 10:24 pm

    […] Kale and Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese from Lauren Kelly Nutrition. […]

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