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    Food » Main Dishes » Lower Calorie Chicken Mac and Cheese Casserole

    Lower Calorie Chicken Mac and Cheese Casserole

    Posted: 04/10/2017 | Last updated: 03/15/2021 by Erin K. Browne Leave a Comment
    Post may contain affiliate links via Amazon Associates or other programs. (Disclosure)

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    For when you just HAVE to have some macaroni and cheese when watching your waistline, this lower calorie chicken mac and cheese casserole will satisfy that craving!

    Mac and cheese is a dish that's typically reserved for an occasional treat, but my toddler has decided that it is his most favorite food in the entire world.  In an attempt to be able to serve a homemade version more often without all of the added fat and calories of the original, I was desperate to come up with a low calorie mac and cheese that would be a tasty substitute of the original favorite.

    At less than 350 calories per serving, this casserole serves up only a fraction of the calories as its popular big brother.

    For when you just HAVE to have some macaroni and cheese when watching your waistline, this lower calorie chicken mac and cheese casserole will satisfy that craving!

    This casserole has a creamy cheese sauce that starts with thickened almond milk seasoned up and mixed in with a variety of lowered fat cheeses.  Whole wheat macaroni is used to lower the glycemic impact of the pasta, and some cooked chicken gets thrown in for some extra lean protein.

    This casserole is a meal on its own, but we served it alongside some chopped braised broccoli and stewed tomatoes.  It was a fantastic guilt-free dinner and one that I will be making again and again, or at least until my toddler decides he no longer likes macaroni and cheese, which I don't see happening any time in the near future.

    For when you just HAVE to have some macaroni and cheese when watching your waistline, this lower calorie chicken mac and cheese casserole will satisfy that craving!

    Skinny macaroni and cheese doesn't have to be boring - give this a try some time and see what you think!

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    For when you just HAVE to have some macaroni and cheese when watching your waistline, this lower calorie chicken mac and cheese casserole will satisfy that craving!

    Lower Calorie Chicken Mac and Cheese Casserole

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    • Total Time: 50 mins
    • Yield: 8 servings

    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 2.5 cups uncooked whole wheat macaroni
    • 3 cups almond milk
    • 2 TBS cornstarch
    • 2 TBS cold water
    • 1 tsp paprika
    • 1 tsp seasoned salt
    • 2 tsp garlic powder
    • ½ tsp black pepper
    • 2 ¼ cups shredded fat free cheddar cheese
    • ¾ cup part-skim shredded mozzarella
    • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
    • ¼ cup bread crumbs
    • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

    Instructions

    1. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
    2. Preheat oven to 375F and lightly spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
    3. In a small bowl, stir together cornstarch and cold water until completely combined with no lumps. Set aside.
    4. In a large saucepan, bring almond milk to a low boil and then add the cornstarch mixture, whisking briskly until combined. Continue to stir occasionally until mixture begins to thicken and then lower heat.
    5. Add paprika, seasoned salt, garlic powder, pepper, and both cheeses. Stir until the cheese melts and mixture is creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
    6. Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the cheese sauce and mix together, then transfer to the 9x13 baking pan. Sprinkle the top with bread crumbs and Parmesan.
    7. Cover with aluminum foil and bake on center rack for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
    • Author: Erin Browne
    • Prep Time: 15 mins
    • Cook Time: 35 mins

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: ⅛ of pan
    • Calories: 330
    • Sugar: 3
    • Sodium: 590
    • Fat: 7
    • Carbohydrates: 33
    • Protein: 34

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    For when you just HAVE to have some macaroni and cheese when watching your waistline, this lower calorie chicken mac and cheese casserole will satisfy that craving!

    Save this recipe for later!  Use the Pinterest-friendly image below.  Just hover your mouse over the photo and click the button that pops up.

    For when you just HAVE to have some macaroni and cheese when watching your waistline, this lower calorie chicken mac and cheese casserole will satisfy that craving!

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    About Erin K. Browne

    Erin K. Browne is an author of a cookbook (The Unofficial Dollywood Cookbook, Simon & Schuster/Adams Media) and Dollywood guide (The Ultimate Guide to Dollywood, Simon & Schuster/Adams Media) She has over two decades experience with recipe development. Erin is a mom of two human babies and a sweet kitty named Biscuit Fingers ("Ketto"). She loves comfy clothes, sarcastic t-shirts, and reading thrillers. Make her day and toss her a like on Facebook or follow her on Instagram. Post may contain affiliate links including those via the Amazon Associates program

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