A creamy and delicious recipe by Giada De Laurentiis is this Lighter Mac and Cheese that you can serve for a cozy meal with family or friends, made with rice flour pasta, ricotta cheese, Greek yogurt, shredded Gruyère, and Parmesan topping. This creamy and delicious Lighter Mac and Cheese recipe makes a hearty dinner or side that takes about 35 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.

Recipe Ingredients

• 1 (12-ounce) bag of rice flour penne, such as Bionaturae
• 1 tsp of extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 shallot, minced
• ½ cup of low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (15-ounce) container of part-skim ricotta cheese
• ¼ cup of fat-free plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup (about ¼ pound) of shredded Gruyère or Emmentaler cheese
• ½ tsp of chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp of kosher salt
• ¼ tsp of cayenne pepper
• ½ cup of oven-toasted rice cereal, such as Chex, crushed
• 2 tbsp of freshly grated Parmesan cheese

How To Make Giada Lighter Macaroni and Cheese

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the rice flour penne and cook it according to the package directions until it’s just al dente. Make sure to drain the pasta well, but remember to save ⅓ cup of the pasta water for the sauce.
2. Sauté the Shallots: In a 3-quart ovenproof pot, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and cook while stirring often until the shallot softens and turns translucent. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth with the shallots, and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once it’s simmering, preheat the broiler to high so it’s ready for the final touch.
4. Mix in the Cheese: Turn off the heat, and add in the ricotta cheese, Greek yogurt, shredded Gruyère, chopped thyme leaves, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and the reserved pasta water. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. Fold the cooked pasta into the cheesy sauce, making sure every piece is coated evenly.
5. Create the Crispy Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed oven-toasted rice cereal with the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the coated pasta. Place the pot under the broiler for about 3 to 5 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Recipe Tips

• Add some depth: For a more robust flavor, sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika in the cheese sauce before mixing in the pasta. It gives the dish a subtle, smoky warmth without overpowering.
• Try a crunchier topping: Swap the rice cereal for panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy topping that holds up better under the broiler. Lightly toast the panko in a dry skillet for more crunch.
• Boost the nutrition: Add lightly steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach to the pasta before broiling. The vegetables add both color and a healthy boost without altering the rich, cheesy flavor.
• Experiment with cheese blends: For a sharper taste, replace half of the Gruyère with a sharp white cheddar. The combination offers a bolder contrast that complements the creaminess of the ricotta.
• Spice it up: If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. It blends well with the creamy texture and offers just the right kick.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada Pasta With Chicken Ragu Recipe
• Giada Champagne and Caviar Linguine
• Giada Spaghetti With Clams