Skinny Baked Broccoli Macaroni & Cheese

Skinny Baked Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese

Servings:                     8

Serving Size:                1 cup

PointsPlus Value:       8

Ingredients:

12 oz high fiber elbows like Ronzoni Smart Taste

1 tbsp butter

1 tbsp light butter

¼ cup flour

¼ cup minced onion

2 cups skim milk

1 cup fat-free chicken broth (vegetarians use vegetable broth)

8 oz (2 cups) Sargento shredded reduced fat sharp cheddar

Salt and fresh pepper to taste

12 oz fresh broccoli florets (I used pre-cut bag)

1/8 cup grated parmesan

Cook pasta and broccoli together in a large pot of salted water, according to package directions for al dente (or slightly under cook 2 minutes).  Spray a baking dish with cooking spray.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large, heavy skillet, melt butters.  Add onion and cook over low heat about 2 minutes, add flour and cook another minute, or until the flour is golden and well combined.  Add milk and chicken broth and whisk, raising heat to medium-high until it comes to a boil; cook about 5 minutes or until the sauce becomes smooth and thick.  Season with salt and pepper.

Once the sauce is thick, remove from heat, add cheese and mix well until cheese is melted. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, add cooked macaroni and broccoli and mix well.  Pour into a prepared baking dish.  Top with grated cheese and bread crumbs.  Spray a little more cooking spray on top.

Bake for 15-20 minutes then broil for a few minutes to get the bread crumbs golden.