Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe

Three white ramekins of mac and cheese are placed on top of a white and blue gingham patterned napkin.
Yields:Nutrition:Prep Time:Total Time:
8 servings 400 calories 15 min. 1 hr. and 15 min.

Helps with these side effects: Sore mouth, difficulty swallowing and weight loss

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a gooey macaroni and cheese recipe. This recipe calls for the pasta to be cooked in the sauce, making this dish easier to make while cutting down on prep time.

The breadcrumb topping adds a bit of texture to this classic dish. You can easily make homemade breadcrumbs by throwing a slice of bread in a food processor. You can also use the shredder blade on the food processor to grate your own cheese. This will give your dish a more authentic flavor, instead of buying packaged pre-shredded cheese.

Try combining cheeses, like a Gruyere for a nuttier flavor of Monterey Jack for a milder flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan cheese on hand, leave it out.

Before making drastic changes to your diet, be sure to talk with your care team or nutritionist. While these recipes may relieve common symptoms, your treatment plan may include following a specific diet. If you have questions about what’s safe to eat or drink, your care team is ready to help.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups low-fat milk

  • 1 cup regular (not low-fat) cottage cheese

  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 pound sharp or extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, grated, divided

  • 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs

  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese, optional

  • ½ pound uncooked elbow pasta

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Coat an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

  2. In a blender, combine the milk, cottage cheese, mustard and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth.

  3. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of the grated Cheddar cheese, the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Set aside.

  4. In a large bowl, combine the remaining Cheddar cheese, milk mixture and uncooked pasta. Pour into prepared pan and cover tightly with foil.

  5. Bake for 30 minutes. Uncover, stir gently and top with reserved cheese mixture. Bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes or until set. Let cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.



Nutritional Information

Per Serving
Calories .......................... 400
Total Fat ......................... 21 g
Total Carbohydrates ......... 29 g
Dietary Fiber ................... 1 g
Sugars  ........................... 5 g
Protein ............................ 23 g
Sodium ........................... 510 mg

 


This material is furnished for informational purposes and is for your personal use only. It is not intended as a substitute for the expertise, judgment and specific advice of your care team. Based on your condition and treatment plan, you may have different medical and self-care needs. Please talk to your care team before making changes to your care plan or using any non-prescribed products during your treatment.

Reproduced, with permission, from Jeanne Besser et al., What to Eat During Cancer Treatment. (Atlanta: American Cancer Society, 2009) ©2009 by the American Cancer Society.