One Pot Whole Wheat Macaroni and Cheese

This One Pot Whole Wheat Macaroni and Cheese is a quick and healthy dinner recipe your whole family will ask for again! The whole-wheat pasta adds vital fiber and nutrients without compromising on the classic mac and cheese taste.

When it comes to a healthier mac and cheese there are many things you can do. I think the easiest way to make macaroni and cheese healthier is simply by using a whole wheat pasta. This One Pot Whole Wheat Macaroni and Cheese has extra fiber while keeping all of the delicious flavors!

HOW TO MAKE ONE POT WHOLE WHEAT MACARONI AND CHEESE

To begin, rinse your whole-wheat elbow macaroni in a strainer and then set aside. Meanwhile, fill a medium-sized pot with 3 cups of water. Then, add the whole wheat macaroni to the pot of water and bring to a low simmer on medium heat.

Once the water is simmering add two cups of skim milk to the pot and return to a simmer. When the liquid is back to a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the whole wheat macaroni until it is cooked through, stirring frequently about 5 minutes. There should still be some milk in the pot when the macaroni is finished cooking.

At this point, over low heat, stir in the 2 Tbsp butter, 1/2 tsp garlic, 1/4 tsp cayenne, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper along with the 6 oz cheddar cheese and 4 oz jack cheese until the cheeses are melted. If this mixture is too thick, stir in 1 Tbsp of milk at a time until the One Pot Whole Wheat Macaroni and Cheese has reached your desired consistency.

When you are ready to serve, season with additional salt and pepper to taste and top with fresh parsley.

PRO TIPS FOR MAKING WHOLE WHEAT MACARONI AND CHEESE

When you are making your homemade mac and cheese, keep these tips in mind. They make it taste so much better!

#1 Rinse Your Pasta First 

First, remember to rinse your pasta first. I know, there is a lot of debate out there about rinsing your pasta. Some people think that rinsing it will mean the sauce won’t stick as well. But I think it helps the pasta just have a better texture. 

#2 Don’t Let the Water Cook Out of the Pot

While the pasta is cooking, make sure you do not let all of the liquid cook out of the pot, you will need it when you add the cheese and spices.

#3 Add More Milk If Needed

Lastly, depending on the consistency you like for your mac and cheese, add additional milk in 1 Tbsp increments.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! 

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RECIPES SIMILAR TO ONE POT WHOLE WHEAT MACARONI AND CHEESE

If you liked this whole wheat mac and cheese recipe, then you should try these for dinner next! 

• Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Shells
• Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese
• Jalepeno Cheddar Mac and Cheese

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One Pot Whole Wheat Macaroni and Cheese

By: Mariam Ezzeddine

This One Pot Whole Wheat Macaroni and Cheese is a quick and delicious dinner recipe your family will just love! It is made in one pot and packed with whole grains and fiber!

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 13 minutes minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients 

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• ▢ 1 lb whole wheat elbow macaroni
• ▢ 3 cups water
• ▢ 2 cups skim milk
• ▢ 1 Tbsp butter
• ▢ 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• ▢ 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• ▢ 1/2 tsp black pepper
• ▢ 1/2 tsp salt
• ▢ 6 oz grated cheddar cheese
• ▢ 4 oz grated jack cheese
• ▢ Freshly chopped parsley

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Instructions 

• Using a strainer, rinse macaroni shells in cold water. Set aside.
• Add water and shells to a large pot. Bring to a low simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once it reaches a simmer, add milk and bring back to a simmer.
• Reduce heat to medium-low and cook shells through, stirring frequently, approximately 5 minutes. There should still be milk in the pot.
• Stir in spices and cheeses over low heat, until cheese is melted. If the macaroni and cheese is too thick, add milk 1 Tbsp at a time until it reaches desired consistency.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve immediately with a garnish of fresh parsley.

Notes

• Rinse your pasta first. I know, there is a lot of debate out there about rinsing your pasta. Some people think that rinsing it will mean the sauce won't stick as well. But I think it helps the pasta just have a better texture. 
• Drop the pasta in the water and stir right away. As soon as you drop your pasta into the water, give it a stir. This stops the pasta from sticking together.
• Don't Let the Water Cook Out of the Pot. While the pasta is cooking, make sure you do not let all of the liquid cook out of the pot, you will need it when you add the cheese and spices.
• Add More Milk If Needed. Depending on the consistency you like for your mac and cheese, add additional milk in 1 Tbsp increments.
• The macaroni & cheese will continue to thicken as it cools, so you can remove while it is still on the slightly runny side.
• Sharp cheddar gives a flavorful punch to the One Pot Mac and Cheese.
• Ideally avoid pre shredded cheddar cheese, it doesn't melt as well as freshly grated cheese.
• You can use any shape pasta you like, but the macaroni really scoops the cheese into its shape!

Nutrition

Serving: 4g | Calories: 665kcal | Carbohydrates: 91.7g | Protein: 29.5g | Fat: 18.7g | Saturated Fat: 11.1g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 653mg | Fiber: 3.8g | Sugar: 9.4g

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