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Mac and Cheese with a Veggie Twist

Mac and Cheese with a Veggie Twist

PREP TIME
20 mins
COOK TIME
20 mins
SERVES
4

Ingredients

This sauce is very creamy and chock full of vegetables and colour. If you don’t have time to cut the vegetables small, simply chop them larger and let them cook a bit longer so they are soft throughout.

1 1/2 cups (375 mL) whole wheat macaroni or fusilli
2 tsp (10 mL) soft non hydrogenated margarine
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, finely chopped
1/2 cup (125 mL) finely chopped red pepper
1/2 cup (125 mL) grated zucchini
2 tbsp (30 mL)) all purpose flour
2 cups (500 mL) skim milk
1 tsp (5 mL) chopped fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp (2 mL) dried thyme leaves
1 cup (250 mL) shredded light old Cheddar cheese
1 tsp (5 mL) Dijon mustard
Pinch fresh ground pepper

Preparation

  1. In a pot, bring water to boil. Add macaroni and cook for about 6 minutes or until pasta is tender but firm. Drain well and set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan, heat margarine over medium heat and cook onion and garlic for 1 minute. Add carrot, red pepper and zucchini and cook, stirring for about 5 minutes or until softened. Stir in flour and cook, stirring until flour is absorbed. Slowly pour in milk and thyme; stir until smooth. Cook, stirring for about 5 minutes or until starting to bubble. Stir in cheese, mustard and pepper. Remove from heat and stir until melted and smooth. Stir in cooked macaroni until well coated.

RECIPE TIP

Frozen Vegetable Option: Omit carrot, red pepper and zucchini and substitute 2 cups (500 mL) diced or mixed frozen vegetables in the sauce.

Nutritional Information

  • Calories
    322
  • Fat
    8g
  • Saturated
    4g
  • Trans
    0g
  • Cholesterol
    19mg
  • Sodium
    334mg
  • Fibre
    4g
  • Carbohydrate
    45g
  • Sugars
    10g
  • Iron
    13%DV
  • Vitamin A
    50%DV
  • Vitamin C
    58%
  • Vitamin D
    1.5 µg
  • Vitamin K
    7 µg
  • Protein
    20g
  • Magnesium
    90mg

Osteoporosis Canada’s position on nutrition for healthy bones focuses on calcium, vitamin D, protein, magnesium and vitamin K while stressing a well-balanced diet which includes fiber and whole grains, vitamins and minerals and protein.

Emily Richards, PHEc
Recipe by
Emily Richards, PHEc
© Osteoporosis Canada, 2026
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