Three Cheese Macaroni Casserole

With this casserole recipe, we gave mac-and-cheese a much-needed makeover. It still has the creamy, cheesy appeal, plus a few healthy upgrades.

(Makes 10 servings, about 1½ cups each)

Source: BODi On-Demand Nutrition Blog.

Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 58 mins Total Time: 1 hr 18 mins

What You Need

• Nonstick cooking spray

• 1 lb. dry whole-wheat macaroni (or penne pasta)

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 medium yellow bell pepper, chopped

• 2 cups broccoli, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, chopped

• 3¾ cups part-skim ricotta cheese

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

• Sea salt (or Himalayan salt) and ground black pepper (to taste; optional)

How To Make

1. Preheat oven to 375° F.

2. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

3. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Add onion, bell peppers, and broccoli; cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 6 minutes, or until onion is translucent.

5. Add garlic; cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Set aside.

6. Combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese in a large bowl; mix well.

7. Add macaroni, onion mixture, and basil; mix well.

8. Season with salt and pepper if desired; mix well.

9. Place macaroni mixture in a 13x9-inch ceramic (or glass baking dish) that has been coated with spray. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until cheese is bubbling.

Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories 356 - Calories from Fat 117

% Daily Value*

Fat 13g - 20%

Saturated Fat 6g - 38%

Cholesterol 37mg - 12%

Sodium 245mg - 11%

Carbohydrates 41g - 14%

Fiber 5g - 21%

Sugar 1g - 1%

Protein 23g - 46%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.