Lightened Up Double Cheese Macaroni

Since we are trying to get back on track with healthier eating, I thought I would try a lightened up version of one of our favorites, macaroni and cheese. I found this on Cooking Light and it was so good! Very creamy and comforting and you couldn't tell it was lightened up at all! To make this even healthier, you could try using whole wheat noodles, but I just used the regular. You can find all of the nutrition info in the link above.

This is an easy stove-top recipe and I love the depth of flavor that the mustard and worcestershire sauce brings. Just enough to make you wonder, what is that lovely flavor, but not enough to be overpowering....a great balance. I've also made this stove-top macaroni before which is so great as well. I wanted to try this one though, since it was different and called for cream cheese and I had some to use up. I really like them both equally and the only thing that may make the first one I tried stand out is that I always have those ingredients on hand. Both are good, and both are lightened up versions as well. Oh, I should also mention that I halved this recipe, since it was just for the two of us and it was well plenty! The full recipe is below.

Lightened Up Double Cheese Macaroni

Source: Cooking Light

Ingredients
4 cups uncooked medium elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 1/4 cups fat-free milk
1/4 cup (2 ounces) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon bottled minced garlic
1 1/4 cups 2 % shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
While pasta cooks, place flour, salt, and pepper in a large saucepan. Add milk,whisking to incorporate. Add cream cheese by spoonfuls to the saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer approximately 1-2 minutes, or until thick and cream cheese melts. Add mustard, worcestershire, and garlic, stir to incorporate. Simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat and add cheese, stirring until cheese melts. Combine pasta and cheese sauce in a large bowl. Stir until all pasta is covered in cheesy goodness!