Imagine a healthier version of Macaroni and Cheese that actually tastes good! Couldn’t you just squeak with excitement?
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We believe there is room in anyone’s eating plan for a special treat on occasion. So enjoy this as a side dish with a serving of lean protein and a nice big heap of veggies and you’ll have a nicely balanced meal.
Yields: 3 cups | Serving Size: 1/2 Cup | Calories: 244 | Total Fat: 8 g | Saturated Fats: 5 g | Trans Fats: 0 g | Cholesterol: 16 mg | Sodium: 198 mg | Carbohydrates: 24 g | Dietary fiber: 4 g | Sugars: 4 gm | Protein: 11 g | SmartPoints (Freestyle) 8 |
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups, 1% milk
- 2 egg whites
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch or tapioca starch
- 4 ounces 2% sharp cheddar cheese (get the block and grate 1 cup full. That's about 4 oz.)
- 2 cups dry, penne whole wheat pasta
Instructions
- Whisk together the milk, egg whites and cornstarch in your slow cooker insert. Be sure to whisk well.
- Stir in the grated cheese and pasta shells.
- Cook on low for 1-1/2 to 2 hours.
- NOTES ON THE RECIPE:
- After the first hour, stir the food on a semi regular basis. About every 15 minutes or so. This will do 2 things. It will allow the pasta to cook evenly. It will also allow you to keep any eye on the pasta and see when it's done. Every slow cooker is different, so the timing for this recipe may be slightly different on this for you. Pasta goes from "cooked" to "mush" very quickly. So be sure to keep stirring on occasion to keep an eye on things.
- This was made in a 3 quart slow cooker. Should you wish to double the recipe, double everything except the cornstarch (use 1 tbsp.) and cook in a 4 or 5 quart slow cooker (we used a 5 quart for doubling the recipe). Time and temp does not change when doubling the recipe.
- Also, if doubling the milk, you will most likely end up with extra sauce. This sauce is wonderful over a side of veggies.
- For a crispier top, place under broiler oven for 3-5 minutes.
- Note: We recommend penne pasta with this slow cooker version. Smaller shells don't hold up well in the slow cooker.
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Hey, I ordered your cookbook from QVC over two weeks ago. I actually ordered it before it was previewed. Is there a problem with shipping?
Thanks, Valerie Patterson
Valerie, Thank-you! No problem with the shipping…first orders will ship before the end of Jan.
I just wanted to let you know that I made this last night at 9:30 so that we could have it with your sloppy joes for dinner tonight and when it was done cooking, my husband and I tasted it to see how good it was, and we could not stop eating it! Thank you so much for another fabulous recipe!!!
Sandy, You are so welcome!! We're happy both you and your husband enjoyed! My husband loves it too! 🙂
Thanks! This would be great to bring to a cookout as well so the kids have something to enjoy! Does rotini hold up?
Yummo!! Ultimate favorite dish!!
Slow Cooker Mac and cheese…decadent indulgence:)
My kids even ate this, usually they will not eat the whole wheat pasta, thank you!
Can this be frozen for another meal?
Riscan, Sure…of course, it's always better fresh. You may want to add a little additional milk when rewarming.
What is your opinion of Dreamfield Pasta? I'm not a fan of Whole Wheat Pastas, the texture just isn't right But Dreamfield is delicious. Tastes just like regular pasta
Terri, It's funny you ask. About a year ago I was flying to visit my daughter and sat next to a lady who knew the doctor that created this pasta. I couldn't find it at the time but will look for again. I read about it on their website just now…it sounds healthy.
Does anyone know if this can be made on the stovetop instead of the crockpot? If so, how? Sounds yummy, but would like to make it as a side for another crock pot meal!
Val,
Sure! Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Just cook the pasta according to directions on the box. Combine the remaining ingredients in a medium bowl and pour over pasta. Add all ingredients to an appropriately sized casserole dish. Bake uncovered until cheese is melted and bubbly. Enjoy!
Is there anyway to replace the egg whites with something else? Egg sensitivity 🙁
Kelly, Just add 2 tablespoons milk for one egg white.
Can unsweetened almond milk, or even skim milk, be used instead of 1%?
Job, Definitely!
Similar (and simpler) recipe is 1cup dry pasta any type, 2 cups milk or soy milk, and two cups cheese. Distribute evenly in a 9 x 9 baking pan. Bake 50 minutes at 350, covered.
If you want the top toasted, or if too fluid for your taste, uncover under broiler for a "few" minutes – obviously you have to watch it at this point.I often add meats like bacon, ham, sliced sausage, or veggies broccoli, cauliflower or favorite squash to turn the whole thing into a casserole. Double if you wish, same time and temperature, larger pan.
Jimmy, Thanks for tips!
What if you wanted to add chicken to this, any tips?
KM, Add 1" cubes after being cooked.
will this work with gluten free pasta? a lot of it turns into mush very quickly =/ i have celiac… wheat kills me =(
Gwen, Never tried it with gluten free. Maybe try doing the gluten free version on the stovetop. Keep us posted!
Mmmmmm! Mac-N-Cheese, can't go wrong with that. : ) LOVE IT
If I have to stir this every 15 minutes, what is the advantage to using the slow cooker over just making it on the stovetop?
Melissa, Maybe the stovetop will work best for you. Many people love this recipe and don’t mind stirring.
Read my mind Melissa!
Does anyone know if you can use glueten free pasta???
I know you stated that doubling the recipe would result in extra sauce but my results were just noodles and soupy/barely-cheesy milk 🙁 None of the cheese stuck to the noodles and I'm really bummed! I did use skim milk as it was all I had on hand. Could that have been the cause?
Katie, Oh no!!! I can’t say for certain, but using skim milk can effect the outcome. I use 1% milk without problems.
Making it again as we all loved it the first time. Added Grilled organic chicken breast and a salad. Yum! Thanks !
Made this tonight for my hubby and myself… It was DELICIOUS!!!! We added some bacon, green onion, and red pepper flakes to spice it up. LOVE your recipes!!!
Stephanie, Thanks so much! 🙂
I just made this and I'm not completely thrilled. I think next time I'm going to use regular penne rather than whole wheat. The pasta texture is just off.
This might be a stupid question- is dry pasta uncooked pasta?
Thanks!
Nikki, Yes the dry pasta is uncooked pasta:).
I doubled the recipe as instructed and I too (like an earlier post) ended up with runny not thick at all sauce. I did everything the same (used 1% milk) except used 7 oz reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese. Any ideas what I can add to the sauce to fix this?
Jackie, Add additional cheese and that should do the trick. I just created a new recipe for the slow cooker that doesn’t required pre-boiling the noodles. It’s easy and delicious. Would you like to me to email you when it’s on the site? If so, send me a quick email letting me know. [email protected] 🙂
Do you just add dry pasta out of the box or is it pre cooked? Never used pasta in a slow cookers before
Hi, Bianca. You’ll use dry pasta for this recipe. Just note that pasta goes from “cooked” to “mush” very quickly. So be sure to keep stirring on occasion to keep an eye on things.