Spinach and Artichoke Macaroni and Cheese — Meatless Monday

Cozy up to winter comfort food without the calories using Food Network Kitchen's surprisingly healthy recipe for macaroni and cheese.

Related To:

Spinach and Artichoke Macaroni and Cheese

Food Network Kitchen Spinach and Artichoke Macaroni and Cheese Healthy Eats Food Network

Photo by: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Stephen Johnson, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

If you're already looking ahead to the lighter dishes you hope to enjoy in the new year, don't fear that you'll have to say goodbye to comfort food once and for all. With the help of a few smart ingredient swaps, you can surely cozy up to cheesy casseroles and better-for-you sweet treats alike with the help of Food Network's meal makeovers.

Every bit as satisfying as its traditional counterpart, Food Network Kitchen's Spinach and Artichoke Macaroni and Cheese is a surprisingly healthy family-friendly favorite you'll keep coming back to this winter. Think of this pasta bake as next-level spinach-artichoke dip with good-for-you whole-wheat pasta mixed in; it's made with tender artichoke hearts and fresh spinach, plus a bit of sour cream for tang and mozzarella cheese for gooey richness.

The key to maintaining the flavor of this classic dish without added calories is balancing a pat of butter and nutty Parmesan cheese with other low-fat and part-skim dairy ingredients — like the sour cream and mozzarella — because, after all, a little goes a long way when it comes to bold ingredients like these.

Meatless Monday, an international movement, encourages people everywhere to cut meat one day a week for personal and planetary health. Browse more meat-free recipes.

Related Links:

Next Up

The Secret Ingredient to the Best Boxed Mac and Cheese

Sorry, butter and milk — you’ve been replaced.

Favorite Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Satisfy your cravings for this all-American favorite.

Skillet Lasagna — Meatless Monday

Prepare Food Network Magazine's lasagna on the stove and serve with Giada's Mixed Green Salad With Sherry Vinaigrette and Rachael's Garlic Bread.

Minestrone with Gnocchi — Meatless Monday

Learn the secret to serving up Food Network Magazine's warming bowl in a hurry.

Fettuccini Alfredo With Zucchini Ribbons — Meatless Monday

Ellie uses low-fat milk to lighten up this decadent dish, but she adds garlic and creamy parmesan cheese to maintain its full flavors and traditional textures.

Whole-Wheat Cherry Tomato Zucchini Pan Pizza — Meatless Monday

Fresh summer produce stars in this cheesy, meatless pan pizza.

Packing a Tasty Lunch for Kids

I know a lot of kids would be happy with eating chicken fingers or mac and cheese every day, but there are other healthy and yummy options out there. Check out our favorite recipes to try.

Food Network Magazine: April 2010 Recipe Index

Find recipes for Easter, Passover, mac and cheese, easy weeknight meals and 50 simple egg dishes from Food Network Magazine.

Slow-Cooker Lasagna with Spinach and Mushrooms — Meatless Monday

Yes, it's possible to make lasagna on a hectic weeknight. All you need is a trusty slow cooker to help you.

Macaroni and Cheddar Cheese — Meatless Monday

For this Meatless Monday, delight in Food Network's Macaroni and Cheddar Cheese from Rachael Ray.