Healthy Macaroni & Cheese with Shirataki Noodles

It's time to bring back one of our most popular light recipes: Baked Skinny Mac & Cheese! Everyone loves Macaroni & Cheese, a perennial comfort food favorite. But not everyone loves the extra calories, carbs, and fat in traditional recipes. Enter our version made with low carb, low calorie Skinny Noodles Macaroni. This macaroni-shaped shirataki noodle is made from the Asian root konnyaku (konjac). Konnyaku is naturally low in calories, low in carbs, and a good source of filling fiber.

Food made from konnyaku has been eaten for hundreds of years in Japan.  Noodles and "rice" made from konnyaku flour instead of wheat or white rice are an excellent, healthy alternative for those who are trying to lose weight, or those following a diabetic, gluten-free, or vegan diet. In addition, Skinny Noodles are made the traditional way -- with no soy or tofu -- which makes them suitable for those who eat clean, following a paleo diet.

Preparation Tip: Shirataki noodles are most often packed in natural alkaline water to keep them fresh and ready to eat without preservatives. When you open the package, you'll notice an ocean-like scent. Don't panic! To neutralize the scent instantly, rinse and drain the noodles well, toss into bowl, add 1-2 teaspoons of vinegar, gently mix into noodles, and set aside 1-2 minutes. The vinegar will neutralize the alkaline smell. Now rinse and drain thoroughly again. Pat noodles dry with a clean towel and pan fry for 2-3 minutes until the noodles "squeak." Voila! Low carb, low calorie noodles or "rice" for your favorite recipes. Try in soups in place of regular pasta or white rice to cut about 200 calories and 40 grams of carbs per serving. Also you can add shirataki noodles or shirataki rice to slow cooker recipes during the last 20 minutes of cook time.

Baked Skinny Mac & Cheese

Ingredients:

• 2 – 8 oz. packages Skinny Noodles Macaroni
• 1 c low fat milk
• 3 Tbsp. flour
• 1 c shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 Tbsp. breadcrumbs (optional)
• Dash of paprika (optional)

Directions:
Rinse Skinny Noodles Macaroni and drain well. Blot with paper towels. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat macaroni on high for 2 minutes. Drain additional liquid and set aside. In a medium sauce pan, heat milk and flour on low heat, stirring until mixture becomes thick. Add cheeses and continue to stir until melted and blended. Add salt and pepper to cheese mixture. Add macaroni to sauce pan and coat with cheese sauce. Transfer mixture to a casserole dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and a dash of paprika if desired. Bake in a pre-heated 400° oven for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.
Makes 4 servings (or 8 side servings).

Per Serving (without optional ingredients): 218 calories, 12g fat, 15g carbohydrates, 3g fiber, 12g protein, 40mg cholesterol
Weight Watcher Points+: 6

Visit us at www.getskinnynoodles.com to learn more about shirataki noodles, get cooking tips, and explore all of our shirataki noodles recipes!