Save A creamy, comforting pasta bake featuring whimsical snowflake-shaped pasta, made lighter with reduced-fat cheese and a crisp breadcrumb topping.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 300 g (10.5 oz) snowflake-shaped pasta (or any fun-shaped short pasta)
- Cheese Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter 2 tbsp all-purpose flour 500 ml (2 cups) low-fat milk 120 g (1 cup) reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese shredded 60 g (½ cup) reduced-fat mozzarella cheese shredded 30 g (¼ cup) grated Parmesan cheese 1 tsp Dijon mustard ½ tsp garlic powder ¼ tsp ground black pepper ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste) Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
- Topping: 30 g (¼ cup) whole wheat breadcrumbs 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a baking dish (about 1.5–2 liters/quarts).
- Step 2:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the snowflake pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Step 4:
- Gradually whisk in the milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 4–5 minutes).
- Step 5:
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and nutmeg. Mix until cheeses are melted and sauce is smooth.
- Step 6:
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
- Step 7:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Step 8:
- In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, olive oil, Parmesan, and parsley (if using). Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
- Step 9:
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the sauce is bubbling.
- Step 10:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Save 
Save Enjoy this lightened mac & cheese pasta bake as a comforting meal that balances indulgence and nutrition.
Recipe Questions
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Snowflake-shaped pasta adds fun and texture, but any short pasta like shells or elbow macaroni works well.
- → How can I make the cheese sauce smooth?
Whisk the roux continuously and add milk gradually, stirring until thickened before mixing in the cheeses for a silky sauce.
- → Can I add vegetables to the bake?
Yes, stirring in steamed broccoli or spinach before baking adds nutrition and color.
- → What gives the topping its crunch?
The whole wheat breadcrumbs combined with olive oil and Parmesan create a crisp, golden crust when baked.
- → How long should I bake the dish?
Bake for 15–18 minutes at 200°C (400°F) until the topping is golden and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses?
Replacing cheddar with Gruyère offers a nuttier flavor, while keeping mozzarella and Parmesan maintains creaminess and sharpness.