Baked Mac and Cheese

By barbie24

Calories: 329; Fat: 7.4g; Protein: 19.1g; Carbs: 47g; Fiber: 1.9g; Cholesterol: 21mg; Iron: 2mg; Sodium: 455mg; Calcium: 275mg

* Serving size: about 1 1/3 cups

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 3 cups (12 ounces) uncooked penne (tube-shaped pasta)
• 1 (12-ounce) carton 2% low-fat cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh flat-leaf parsley

Preparation

Step 1

1. Preheat oven to 375°.

2. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain; place in a large bowl.

3. Place cottage cheese in a food processor; process until smooth. Combine cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Add the cheese mixture to pasta, and stir well. Spoon mixture into an 11 x 7-inch glass or ceramic baking dish coated with cooking spray.

4. Combine remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan, panko, and parsley in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over pasta mixture. Bake at 375° for 10 minutes.

5. Preheat broiler (do not remove dish from the oven).

6. Broil pasta 1 minute or until top browns.