Lighter Macaroni and Cheese
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
This pasta dish hits all of the important notes of a great mac 'n cheese recipe. Lighter, rich, sophisticated, and gluten free ... check, check, check, and check!
Recipe type: Pasta
Serves: 6-8 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 (12 ounce) bag of Penne Pasta (Giada recommends rice flour penne for a gluten free option)
  • 1 teaspoon Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 Shallot, minced
  • ½ cup low-sodium Chicken Broth
  • 1 (15-ounce) container part-skim Ricotta Cheese
  • ¼ cup fat-free Greek Yogurt
  • 1 cup (1/4 pound) Emmentaler or Gruyere Cheese
  • ½ teaspoon fresh Thyme, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper
  • ½ cup oven-toasted rice cereal (like Rice Chex), crushed
  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan Cheese
Preparation Instructions
  1. Begin by toasting your rice cereal. I put them on a cookie sheet in a 400 degree oven for about 5 minutes and then let them cool.
  2. Then bring a large pot of salted water to boil, and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ⅓ cup of the pasta water before draining the cooked pasta.
  3. You have a choice to make here. Either choose a dish you can use on the stove top that is oven-proof (at broiling level heat - 450 to 500 degrees), or you can use a medium sauce pan to make the sauce and transfer it to an oven-safe, broil-safe casserole dish. Whatever option you choose, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Then add the shallots and cook until they are translucent. Add the chicken broth to the cooked shallots and bring it to a simmer.
  4. Turn on the oven broiler. Turn off the heat under the sauce pan and add the ricotta, Greek yogurt, Emmentaler/Gruyere cheese, thyme, cayenne pepper, and salt to the shallot mixture. Whisk until the cheese is melted, then fold in the cooked pasta so they are coated in the sauce.
  5. Mix together the crushed, toasted rice cereal and Parmesan cheese. Then sprinkle the topping over the pasta. Place the dish in the oven and broil for 3-5 minutes or until the sauce bubbles. Serve right away and enjoy!
Notes
I think this would be fabulous with some chicken, tuna, or bacon for some added protein. I also love topping this dish with some hot sauce to add some complexity and cut the richness of this dish.
Recipe by Can Cook, Will Travel at https://cancookwilltravel.com/lightened-macaroni-and-cheese/