Transformation Tuesday: Mac and Cheese

Transformation Tuesday: Mac and Cheese

◾Total Time: 37 min.
◾Prep Time: 20 min.
◾Cooking Time: 17 min....
◾4 oz. dry whole wheat elbow macaroni (or pasta)
◾4 tsp. organic grass-fed butter (or organic coconut oil)
◾2 Tbsp. unbleached whole wheat flour
◾1½ cups unsweetened almond milk
◾1¼ cups freshly grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese
◾3 cups cooked chopped chicken breast, boneless, skinless
◾4 cups chopped broccoli florets, steamed
◾1 tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt)
◾½ tsp. ground black pepper
1.Cook macaroni according to package directions. (Do not use salt or oil if suggested in directions.) Set aside.
2.Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat.
3.Add flour; cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute, or until brown (don’t let it burn).
4.Slowly whisk in almond milk; cook, whisking constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes, or until mixture thickens and there are no lumps.
5.Reduce heat to low. Add cheese; cook, whisking constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until melted.
6.Add chicken, broccoli, salt, and pepper; cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute, or until heated through.
7.Serve immediately.

Tips and Variations:
◾Use quinoa pasta and gluten-free flour if you’re following a gluten-free lifestyle.
◾Asparagus, green beans or Brussels sprouts can be substituted for broccoli.
◾A combination of cheeses like cheddar and Gouda, cheddar and Monterey jack, and cheddar and Asiago can be substituted for sharp cheddar.

Nutritional Information (per serving):
◾Calories: 245
◾Total Fat: 10 g
◾Saturated Fat: 5 g
◾Cholesterol: 68 mg
◾Sodium: 486 mg
◾Carbohydrates: 14 g
◾Fiber: 2 g
◾Sugar: 0 g
◾Protein: 25 g
The swap of whole milk with unsweetened almond milk, the addition of lean proteins and veggies, and the removal of breadcrumbs reduces the fats, carbs, calories, and sodium and adds a bit more variety to your typical pasta dish. Give it a try and let us know what you think!
Container Equivalents
◾½ Green
◾½ Yellow
◾½ Red
◾1 Blue
◾½ tsp.