Lightened Mac Cheese Snowflake

A creamy, comforting pasta bake featuring whimsical snowflake-shaped pasta, made lighter with reduced-fat cheese and a crisp breadcrumb topping.

I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the pot I use for cozy one-pot meals and small-batch recipes, so I wanted to quickly share it here.

This is the Martha Stewart heart-shaped enameled cast iron Dutch oven (2-quart). It’s one of those pieces I reach for constantly when testing soups, stews, baked casseroles, and smaller comfort-food recipes.

• Heats evenly with no hot spots (huge for slow cooking)
• Non-reactive enamel interior — no seasoning required
• Perfect size for small households or side dishes
• Sturdy handles, easy to move from oven to table

It’s also a favorite with home cooks — 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 1,900 reviews — and Amazon often has a coupon available, depending on color and size.

👉 Check current price, colors, and coupon on Amazon

(Affiliate link — if you choose to buy, it helps support this recipe blog at no extra cost to you ❤️)

I first served this to my family on a chilly evening and everyone loved how creamy yet light it tasted compared to traditional mac and cheese.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 300 g (10.5 oz) snowflake-shaped pasta (or any fun-shaped short pasta)
• Cheese Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 500 ml (2 cups) low-fat milk, 120 g (1 cup) reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese shredded, 60 g (½ cup) reduced-fat mozzarella cheese shredded, 30 g (¼ cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp ground black pepper, ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste), Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
• Topping: 30 g (¼ cup) whole wheat breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Create smooth frozen drinks, slushies, and frappés for desserts and parties using juices, coffee, or wine.

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Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a baking dish (about 1.5–2 liters/quarts).

Step 2:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the snowflake pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3:

In a medium saucepan melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a roux.

Step 4:

Gradually whisk in the milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 4–5 minutes).

Step 5:

Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and nutmeg. Mix until cheeses are melted and sauce is smooth.

Step 6:

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.

Step 7:

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Step 8:

In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, olive oil, Parmesan, and parsley (if using). Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.

Step 9:

Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the sauce is bubbling.

Step 10:

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Create smooth frozen drinks, slushies, and frappés for desserts and parties using juices, coffee, or wine.

Check price on Amazon

Create smooth frozen drinks, slushies, and frappés for desserts and parties using juices, coffee, or wine.

Check price on Amazon

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This dish often brings the family together, with everyone eagerly enjoying the fun shaped pasta and creamy cheese sauce on cooler nights.

Notes

For extra veggies, stir in 1 cup of steamed broccoli or spinach before baking. Swap cheddar for Gruyère for a nuttier flavor. Serve with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and cheese (dairy). Check pasta and cheese labels if you have specific allergies.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 410 per serving. Total Fat: 13 g. Carbohydrates: 51 g. Protein: 21 g.

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Mix batters, prep ingredients, grate vegetables, and store leftovers easily during baking and everyday cooking.

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This lighter mac and cheese bake is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal that everyone will love.

Recipe FAQ

→ What pasta shape is used in the dish?

Snowflake-shaped pasta is chosen for a fun twist, but any short, shaped pasta works well if unavailable.

→ How is the cheese sauce thickened?

A roux made from butter and flour is mixed with low-fat milk, then shredded reduced-fat cheeses create a creamy sauce.

→ Can this dish be made with other cheeses?

Yes, swapping cheddar for Gruyère adds a nuttier flavor, while maintaining the lighter cheese blend.

→ What adds the crisp topping texture?

A mixture of whole wheat breadcrumbs, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese creates a crunchy, golden topping after baking.

→ Are there options to include vegetables?

Steamed broccoli or spinach can be stirred into the pasta mixture before baking for added nutrition and color.

→ How long does it take to prepare and cook?

Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with a baking time of 30 minutes, totaling roughly 45 minutes to serve.