BBQ Mac & Cheese

Prep 5 min

|

Cook 30 min

|

Ready in 35 min

A lighter Southern spin on classic macaroni and cheese.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups (750 mL) large shell pasta
  • 2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, seeded and diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and diced
  • 2 tbsp (30 mL) flour
  • 2 cups (500 mL) 2% milk
  • 2 tsp (10 mL) Kansas City-Style Barbecue Rub
  • 12 oz. (350 g) reduced-fat cheddar or Colby jack cheese, coarsely grated (about 3 cups/750 mL)
  • ¼ cup (60 mL) 2% plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
    Topping
  • ½ cup (125 mL) Panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup (60 mL) grated reduced-fat cheddar or Colby jack cheese
  • 1 tsp (5 mL) Kansas City-Style Barbecue Rub

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions; drain.

  2. Heat the oil over medium heat in a large nonstick skillet for 2–3 minutes. Cook the peppers until soft, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

  3. Sprinkle the flour over the peppers and stir to coat. Continue to cook for 2 minutes.

  4. Stir in the milk and seasoning. Bring to just a boil or until it begins to thicken. Reduce the heat to low.

  5. Add the cooked pasta, cheese, and yogurt. Mix well then transfer to a greased 9" x 9" (23 cm x 23 cm) baking dish.

  6. For the topping, combine the breadcrumbs, cheese, and rub in a bowl; sprinkle on the pasta.

  7. Bake until the breadcrumbs are light golden brown, 10–12 minutes.

Yield:

  • 4  servings

Nutrients per serving:

U.S. nutrients per serving: Calories 640, Total Fat 27 g, Saturated Fat 13 g, Cholesterol 65 mg, Sodium 1,040 mg, Carbohydrate 58 g, Fiber 3 g, Sugars 13 g (includes 0 g added sugar), Protein 39 g

Cook's Tips:

Pasta Preference: You can use any other medium-size pasta like cavatappi or rigatoni.

Kicked Up: Add ½ jalapeño to the skillet with the peppers.

Protein Add-Ins: Pulled chicken or leftover barbecue add extra protein and even more flavor.

Recipe Developed for TasteBuds

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