Greek yogurt is the secret to making this healthier macaroni and cheese super creamy! This easy one-pot stovetop recipe comes together in less than 15 minutes and can be made gluten-free or whole grain, if desired.
It was clear that I wanted to make some kind of healthier mac and cheese for today, but it took me a while to settle on the recipe. I tried making it with cottage cheese several times and although it came out well, it started to look quite unappetizing just a few minutes out of the pot. Delicious but perhaps a bit too ugly to post. I had difficulties with this one, too. It’s WAY creamier than the pictures portray it. I’m very slow when it comes to photographing, which means taking pictures of room temperature food. Room temperature mac and cheese isn’t the most beautiful.
I’ve also tried the cauliflower mac and cheese thing. I’m sure it’s fantastic – if you like cauliflower. I thought I’d be able to whip up some of that and then have a way to consume veggies that was less painful (if you’re new here, I have a hard time eating vegetables). But I could taste the cauliflower. No more tainting of my macaroni and cheese shall ever happen again. ;) Luckily, I found this recipe for creamy Greek yogurt mac and cheese from Cooking ala Mel. And my search for the perfect healthier macaroni and cheese ended!
With this one-pot recipe, you boil the pasta, drain, return the pasta to the pot, and add the cheese and Greek yogurt. Stir. Tada! Easiest mac and cheese ever. You can use regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free macaroni here. Anything goes! And if you want to make it healthier (because pasta and a ton of cheese will never be healthy), you can throw in leftover roasted chicken, peas, or like Mel, spinach!
I used cheddar cheese and Pecorino Romano. I thought that it might be odd but – nope. It’s kind of perfect. I’ve been battling a serious Pecorino Romano addiction lately. So much so that I skip the pasta and just grate a nice amount into a bowl and eat it with a spoon. Yup. :D
Pecorino Romano is similar to Parmesan in that it’s grated over pasta and the like, but it’s sharper, saltier and made with sheep’s milk. And don’t get Romano cheese confused with Pecorino Romano! It’s different stuff. If you can’t find this type of cheese, just add more cheddar. Or whatever kind of cheese you like! Though if you’re interested, I found it on Amazon (but I haven’t tried this brand myself!) and it seems like Sam’s Club carries it, too.
Need a vegan version? Try this Cajun Mac and Cheese!
Healthier Macaroni and Cheese
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Ready in:
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces macaroni
- 4 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese1
- 1 ounce Pecorino Romano (or more cheddar)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions
- Prepare the pasta according to the package directions and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. I just took a 1 cup measuring cup and filled it up with water.
- Return the pasta to the pot and add about 1/4 cup of the reserved water.
- Stir in the cheese and when melted, add in the Greek yogurt, paprika powder, and garlic powder.
- Stir until well combined.
- If it's too thick for you, add in the remaining reserved pasta water.
- Serve immediately.
- Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Notes
- The original recipe called for 8 ounces of cheese – I was more than happy with 5 ounces of cheese. This could have been because I used a good sharp cheddar.
Adapted from Creamy Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese, from Cooking Ala Mel
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55 comments on “Healthier Macaroni and Cheese” — Add one!
7 comments are awaiting moderation!
your recipe suggests to eat right away after preparation, do you know if it can be made ahead and baked later with additions such as lobster?
It doesn’t reheat so well so I wouldn’t recommend that. The consistency of the sauce is definitely best when freshly made. Sorry about that!
I would also add pinch of salt or even sausages to bring more flavor to the mac and cheese!
Sausage sounds like a great idea! And yes, more salt is almost always good. :)
This dish was yummy, the kids had seconds. I will definitely make this again.
So happy to hear that! It’s definitely a favorite around here. Thanks a bunch for the feedback and the rating. :)
What are the nutritional value and calorie count?
Hi there! I intentionally don’t include the nutritional info (I focus on making healthier choices rather than low calorie / fat / etc.) but you can copy and paste the recipe here for that info, if you like. :)
Yogurt in mac ‘n cheese – very intriguing and something I never thought to try. Sounds like it’s very good, too and I love the healthier angle. Thanks!
You’re welcome! I hope you get a chance to try it out. :)
I love the idea of Greek yogurt in there. It makes it healthier, but still has to be so creamy!
Yes! Way creamier than the pictures. Really! :)
Wowza! All these mac ‘n cheese recipes are making me drool! Love your healthy twist on traditionally heavy cheese sauces, Erin. I’ve got to give this a try!
I hope you do! I think you’ll love it. :)
This is seriously gorgeous. I love pecorino but it’s hard to find here. Occasionally I luck out and buy oodles of it. I now know what I’m making when I score another batch.
Haha. That’s how I am with other stuff! Like when maple syrup is on sale… I buy a dozen jars of it. :)
Yes to healthier mac! Looks fantastic!
Thanks, Anna! :)
I love the short ingredients list for this recipes. And what a great idea to use Greek yogurt to lighten things up!
I have the same issue photographing mac ‘n cheese! It’s like ice cream, you run around the house trying to get everything ready in like 1 minute. Makes me crazy!
Haha. My problem is that I take an hour to get a picture I like. I can only reheat mac and cheese a few times before I go crazy. ;)
Love the idea of using Greek yoghurt! This looks delish, and much less guilt-inducing than usual ;)
Eh, just a little. Still tastes super sinful! ;)
Wow, of all the things I add Greek yogurt as a sub for, I never thought about good old mac n cheese! Great idea!!
You have to try it! I’m sure you’d love it. :)
I’ve been looking all over for healthy mac and cheeses. I had a go-to one and then I tried one with chicken broth and that was kinda weird. But this looks like it is definitely worth trying :)
Chicken broth?! Hmm. I think you should try this one! ;)
Love how quickly this comes together and the fact that you use Greek yogurt!
Same here! ;) Thanks, Jessica!
Love this healthier macaroni and cheese, can’t wait to try it!
I hope you get a chance to try it! :)
I can’t believe how creamy this looks! Brilliant, Erin.
Thanks a bunch, Anna! I was surprised, too. It just doesn’t seem right!
This looks fabulous!
Thank you, Sarah!
I love the short ingredient list and easy instructions! My kind of mac and cheese
Right?! It’s stupidly easy. :D
This healthier mac and cheese looks no different than the full fat. I would love this!
Thanks! And I bet you would! ;)
Whoa. I dont think it gets much better than Mac and Cheese Week!!! I cant wait to check all these recipes out! I am loving your healthier version too. I bet it tastes incredible!
Thanks, Carla! I hope you get a chance to try it out. And hooray for Mac & Cheese week! :D
I love this easy, and healthy, recipe for mac and cheese. Mmm, the creamy cheesiness going on has me craving this. Pinned.
Thanks for pinning! :)
Great idea to use Greek yogurt! Sort of makes me think I could eat this for breakfast ;-)
Well of course you can! It’s got protein, right? And you could add some bacon for even more protein. :D
I love that you created this using Greek yogurt. Such a great idea!
Thanks, Kristen! It definitely put the cottage cheese to shame. ;)
Pecorino is my husbands FAVORITE!! We were just discussing it and the difference between Parmigiano Reggiano yesterday. :)
Haha. Really?! Rich sounds like a great guy. He bakes cheesecakes, can solve technical blogging issues and prefers Pecorino Romano. Awesome! :D
Greek yogurt never looked so good! I have never thought to add it my mac and cheese but I see why it totally works. This looks amazing! Thank you friend!
And thank you for hosting! You two did a great job. :)
Loving that this comes together in 15 minutes! And goodness knows I could use a healthier recipe after planning and making the recipes for this event. ;) Thanks for participating!
Haha. Your kids must have been thrilled about this whole macaroni and cheese thing! Way better than fish week, right? Or kale week? Or, um, just about anything savory? :D
Mmm mmm good! I love me some mac n’ cheese…especially one that I can eat and keep my waistline happy!
Thank you, Taylor! I hope you get a chance to try it. :)