Macaroni and cheese is a favorite for kids and adults, but when you want to change things up, this Healthy Crab Mac ‘n’ Cheese is the ticket.
Author:Addie Gundry
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:Serves 4-6 1x
Category:Entrées
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower Purée
2 cups roughly chopped cauliflower
1/3 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
Crab Mixture
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
Salt and pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crabmeat, picked through for shells
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
Zest of 1 lemon
Mac ‘n’ Cheese
3 1/2 cups cooked macaroni (about 2 cups dry)
2 cups bite-size pieces steamed cauliflower
1 1/3 cups shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
Salt
A couple of tablespoons low-sodium chicken broth, if needed
1/3 cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions
For the cauliflower purée: Place the cauliflower and chicken in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 5 to 7 minutes, until the cauliflower is very tender. Carefully transfer to a blender and pulse until smooth. Measure out 1 cup of purée and set aside the remainder for another use.
For the crab mixture: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat an 8 × 8-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat, add the butter, and cook until it melts. Add the bell pepper, celery, and onion, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Cook the veggies until softened, about 4 minutes.
Add the garlic and let cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Gently stir in the crabmeat, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon zest. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl.
For the mac ’n’ cheese: Add the cooked macaroni, cauliflower purée, chopped cauliflower, cheddar cheese, and a pinch of salt to the crab mixture. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is combined. Add chicken broth if the mixture seems too dry. Pour the mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle the panko over the top and lightly coat with cooking spray.
Bake for 15 minutes, uncovered until the bread crumbs are golden brown and everything is bubbling. Serve
