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Healthy mac and cheese

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  • Egg free
  • Gluten free
  • Nut free
  • Peanut free
  • Sesame free
  • Wheat free
  • Shellfish free
  • Seafood free
  • Healthier living
  • No added sugar
  • Vegetarian
  • High in dietary fibre
  • High in protein

Give this family favourite a feel-good makeover with a few clever ingredient swaps and hidden veg. It’s perfect for any night of the week.

  • Serves6
  • Cook time15 minutes
  • Prep time10 minutes
Healthy mac and cheese

Ingredients

  • 400g chickpea pulse pasta
  • 500g cauliflower, finely chopped
  • 2 zucchini, finely chopped
  • 4 celery sticks, finely chopped
  • 1 leek, pale section only, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 150g light cream cheese, chopped
  • 2/3 cup (80g) shredded light tasty cheddar
  • 1/4 cup (20g) finely grated parmesan

Nutritional information

Per serve: Energy: 1722kJ/412 Cals (20%), Protein: 23g (46%), Fat: 13g (19%), Sat fat: 7g (29%), Carb: 44g (14%), Sugar: 7g (8%), Fibre: 10g (33%), Sodium: 288mg (14%).

Check ingredient labels to make sure they meet your specific dietary requirements and always consult a health professional before changing your diet. View dietary information here.

Percentage Daily Intake information on our recipes is calculated using the nutrition reference values for an average Australian adult.

Method

  1. Step 1

    Preheat grill on high. Cook the pasta in a large saucepan of boiling water following packet directions or until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup (250ml) of the cooking liquid.
  2. Step 2

    Meanwhile, heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add the cauliflower, zucchini, celery, leek, garlic and 2 tbs water and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 mins or until the vegetables soften.
  3. Step 3

    Add the cream cheese, half the cheddar, half the parmesan and the reserved cooking liquid to the vegetable mixture. Cook, stirring, until the cream cheese melts. Add the pasta and toss to combine. Transfer to a 12-cup (3L) ovenproof dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar and parmesan. Cook under the grill for 5 mins or until the cheese melts and is golden. Season with pepper.

Healthy mac and cheese

Healthy mac and cheese
  • Serves6
  • Cook time15 minutes
  • Prep time10 minutes
Ingredients
  • 400g chickpea pulse pasta
  • 500g cauliflower, finely chopped
  • 2 zucchini, finely chopped
  • 4 celery sticks, finely chopped
  • 1 leek, pale section only, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 150g light cream cheese, chopped
  • 2/3 cup (80g) shredded light tasty cheddar
  • 1/4 cup (20g) finely grated parmesan
    Description

    Give this family favourite a feel-good makeover with a few clever ingredient swaps and hidden veg. It’s perfect for any night of the week.

    Method
    1. Step 1

      Preheat grill on high. Cook the pasta in a large saucepan of boiling water following packet directions or until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup (250ml) of the cooking liquid.
    2. Step 2

      Meanwhile, heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add the cauliflower, zucchini, celery, leek, garlic and 2 tbs water and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 mins or until the vegetables soften.
    3. Step 3

      Add the cream cheese, half the cheddar, half the parmesan and the reserved cooking liquid to the vegetable mixture. Cook, stirring, until the cream cheese melts. Add the pasta and toss to combine. Transfer to a 12-cup (3L) ovenproof dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar and parmesan. Cook under the grill for 5 mins or until the cheese melts and is golden. Season with pepper.