Yesterday, the baby decided that it wanted macaroni and cheese. There are tons of convenient options out there but they all have their shortcomings--too fake, too high calorie, too high saturated fat, too salty--I knew that I could come up with something somewhat healthier.
I found a good "base" recipe on the internet but I tweaked it and the result was pretty great. We may even add it to the non-pregnancy dinner rotation! It would also be good for a big group as we have a ton of leftovers.
1 bag of frozen cut broccoli
1 box of whole wheat pasta (rotini, penne, or elbow would be my vote)
1 package of jennie-o lean turkey sausage (we like the "hot" one)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups 2% shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk (we only have vitamin D in the house because it's what Aaron drinks and yours truly does not drink milk--it worked great, came out richer and 1 cup of full-fat milk won't kill you)
1. Boil water and while you wait, cut the sausage into 1/4 inch slices. When the water boils, add the pasta and the sausage. Cook for 10 minutes and drain.
2. While the pasta and sausage cook, cook the broccoli in the microwave according to the package instructions. Add the broccoli to the drained pasta and sausage.
3. In a small saucepan, combine the milk and flour until the lumps are gone. Heat over medium heat and slowly add the cheese, stirring constantly. When the cheese is melted and the mixture is thick and creamy, add it to the pasta, sausage, and broccoli and combine until mixed well.
This makes about 6 servings and is under 400 calories per serving. It's delicious, quick to make, and a healthy alternative to a potentially calorie-bomb, albeit delicious, comfort food.
I'm already looking forward to having leftovers tonight. Then again, the day is young and baby E may change his/her mind by dinnertime!
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