Tasty Mac & Cheese With Pan-Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Click Here to See the “Doctor’s Secret” That Can Melt Pounds of Fat in Just 12 Weeks…

Okay, real talk. Who in the world, in their right mind, can turn down ooey gooey macaroni and cheese?

After all, comfort food is the name of the game these days, right?

I think we all need a little comfort food right now… especially ones that are easy to make at home.

If only it weren’t so rich and heavy, you’d probably eat gooey, cheesy mac and cheese every night! Well, if that’s what you want, you totally can with this lightened up mac and cheese recipe.

It uses whole wheat rotini pasta, low-fat cheddar cheese, and pan-roasted Brussels sprouts for a meal that’s both high in vegetarian protein… and gives you a few sneaky servings of vegetables, too.

It’s a win-win!

This scrumptious macaroni and cheese is paired with pan-roasted veggies… and that veggie is one of my favorites: Brussels sprouts.

It may not be a fan favorite for everyone… but that’s only for those who haven’t had the chance to eat Brussels sprouts prepared THIS way.

These Brussels sprouts are totally delicious… in fact, I can even vouch for the fact that kids (and husbands, too) like them!

Plus, this recipe is made with ingredients you probably already have at home (or can easily be substituted)…

And this homemade macaroni and cheese is almost as easy as that boxed mac and cheese you’d get at the store—but with WAY more flavor! (Not to mention that it’s healthier, too! No powdered cheese here!)

So if you’re ready for a homestyle mac and cheese that’s deliciously ooey gooey… perfectly paired with crispy pan-roasted Brussels sprouts…

Here’s how to do it:

FTH’s Mac and Cheese with Pan-Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 8 oz whole wheat rotini
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups skim milk*
• 2 cups reduced-fat cheddar cheese
• 3 Tbsp whole wheat flour
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• 12 oz. Brussels sprouts
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• ¼ tsp salt

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 425-F. Slice Brussels sprouts in half, then coat in olive oil. Place on roasting pan and cook for 15-20 minutes, until crispy and tender.

2) Bring water to boil in a large pot. Add pasta and cook until al dente, around 10-12 minutes.

3) In a skillet, add olive oil. Heat to medium, then add flour. Stir quickly to make a paste, then add in skim milk. Stir until thick.

4) Add cheese, garlic, and paprika. Stir until smooth and cheese is melted. Add pasta and stir again. Top with Brussels sprouts. Serve hot.

Recipe Notes:

• You may substitute in reconstituted dry milk powder in place of the skim milk.
• Whole wheat rotini is my personally preferred pasta for this recipe… but just about any (short) pasta will work. Classic macaroni elbows… penne… ziti… shells… whatever you have on hand!
• Another pasta note: I like to use whole wheat pasta because it’s healthier than the more heavily processed “white” pasta… plus it keeps you feeling fuller, longer. However, you can totally use whatever kind of pasta you have on hand! This isn’t a fussy recipe. 🙂

How Eating Mac & Cheese Can Help You Lose Weight… 

I’m pretty sure that just about all of us find mac and cheese comforting… and the idea that it could help you lose weight sounds like science fiction.

(And no, I’m NOT suggesting you take out the cheese and replace the pasta with zucchini spirals… I’m talking about REAL mac and cheese!)

This is going to blow your mind—there are actually things you can do to make this gooey, rich favorite help you BURN fat. 

One of my favorite ways to tinker with this mac and cheese recipe is to use different types of cheese.

Yes, it’s written using cheddar… which is DELICIOUS. And if I may, I would suggest an aged cheddar for extra flavor… plus extra benefits.

That’s because aged cheddar has actually been scientifically proven to help your body burn more fat!

And if you want to really get experimental in the kitchen… you can add in a couple of other cheeses, too…

Especially parmesan. I personally wouldn’t make this recipe with ONLY parmesan… but a nice mix of cheddar and parmesan would be delightful.

And guess what! Parmesan has ALSO been shown to help burn off more fat!

But I’m only talking about real parmesan… you know, parmigiano reggiano. Not that powdered stuff that comes in a green canister that may or may not be made out of wood pulp. (That’s actually a thing, guys. Eeeeew!)

So your dreams of losing weight by eating mac and cheese can actually start coming true. 😉

If you want to see the science behind how this works… plus 1 more absolutely delectable fat-burning cheese you need in your life… click here:

Click Here To See The Research Behind These Delicious Fat-Burning Cheeses (Plus 1 More Delightful Cheese That Can Help You Lose Weight)