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.
Disclaimer: I was compensated by Dreamfields Healthy Pasta to create this recipe. However, like always, the opinions are entirely my own. Promise π
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? π )
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. Thatβs why it has the same delicious taste and texture of traditional pasta.
I love the texture and even passes my picky kids' test!
If any of you also have picky kids then you that texture can be a deal breaker. Many "healthier" pastas can be a little rubbery or even slimy.
You guys know what I am talking about.
And my picky kids want zero to do with that.
Thank goodness this has the perfect texture with all of that extra fiber. I can feel good about giving this to my family.
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?
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! But again, if you have a picky eater and they might be grossed out by flax and not the breadcrumbs, go for it.
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!
Ingredients
- 1 box Dreamfields Elbows
- 1 ΒΌ cups finely shredded Cheddar cheese
- 6 ounces plain Greek yogurt
- Β½ cup 2% milk
- 12 ounces fresh kale
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons ground flax
- Fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Return to pot; do not reheat.
- Immediately add Cheddar cheese, yogurt, milk and kale to pasta; stir to mix well allowing cheese to melt and kale to wilt.
- Sprinkle with flaxseed and Parmesan cheese. Garnish with rosemary, if desired.
Nutrition information (β 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.
If you make this Kale and Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese or any of the other recipes I have shared with you, please some back and let me know. You guys know that I love to hear from you!
I hope you enjoy these! Thank you for stopping by and please come back soon!
David
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.
lauren.kelly
Love it David!
ILona
Bacon Mac and Cheese!
lauren.kelly
YUM!
Tammy
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 !
lauren.kelly
I hope he likes it Tammy!
Tasha @thatssoyummy
That bowl has my name on it....
lauren.kelly
I hope you like it Tasha!
Elle P.
I follow Dreamfields on Pinterest
Elle P.
I would love to make roasted veggie pasta primavera!
lauren.kelly
That sounds delicious Elle!
Lisa Brown
following dreamfields on pinterest as https://www.pinterest.com/lisalu24/
jslbrown2009 at aol dot com
Lisa Brown
I would make the vegetable lasagna
jslbrown2009 at aol dot com
lauren.kelly
THat sounds so yummy Lisa!
Brenda Haines
I follow dreamfields on all their social media.
Brenda Haines
This recipe looks so good! I love mac n cheese and kale, why not put them together!? Great idea! This one is my choice!
lauren.kelly
Thanks so much Brenda! I hope you like it! Good luck π
Kami
I would make penne with roasted tomatoes, garlic and cauliflower, olive oil , herbs and shaved parmesan, it's so yummy!
lauren.kelly
That sounds delicious!
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes
I follow Dreamfields!
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes
I love this idea for mac and cheese!! The fact that I won't have to feel guilty eating it makes me pretty excited π I would make this or my homemade hamburger helper. Yum!
Ashley
follow Dreamfields on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest
Ashley
I would make mac and cheese too!
lauren.kelly
Good taste π