Creamy Greek Yogurt Mac & Cheese recipe: a healthy and low fat Mac and Cheese with greek yogurt, cheese, and a perfect spice blend. It's homemade in one pot and is so good everyone will want seconds. In fact, this is the BEST Healthy Mac & Cheese that's so easy to make you'll forget the Kraft box ever existed!
Creamy Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese Recipe
Mac and Cheese. Just saying the words brings me all sorts of cozy feelings. It’s not only my favorite comfort food... but America’s comfort food as well. It's filling, comforting, and something that makes you feel so GOOD. My version is a deliciously CREAMY Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese that is still surprisingly healthy, low fat, and low cal with a protein boost from the Greek Yogurt.
It's seriously creamy, cheesy, and with the perfect healthy spin. I added enough spices to the magic cheese sauce to make it taste like the real thing though.
I seriously think this Healthy Mac and Cheese might be one of my all-time favorites. Let's dive in!
Why you'll love this Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese...
I know making the box Mac and Cheese is easy. I honestly do it too in a pinch. BUT I swear if you keep the ingredients for this recipe around my version of the Healthy Creamy Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese recipe can come together even faster than the Velveeta OR Kraft box. It's made in only one pot and takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish. The magic happens when you melt the cheese into the greek yogurt creating the PERFECT creamy sauce without all the full of making a roux or anything like that.
Isn't it crazy how rich that cheese sauce looks without all the work???
Ingredients in Greek Yogurt Mac & Cheese
My Greek Yogurt Mac & Cheese comes together with just a handful of ingredients and could not be easier or tastier.
- Pasta: Buy your favorite kind but I love the classic macaroni noodle for this! For extra nutrition consider buying whole wheat or one with added protein.
- Greek Yogurt: Pick a plain greek yogurt. For fewer calories pick a 0% or low fat but for a creamier final product pick 5% or whole milk.
- Cheese: I like a quality sharp cheddar cheese for this to get that classic taste. You can pick low-fat or whole milk depending on your preferences.
- Spices: Dried mustard and a touch of paprika give this the classic Mac & Cheese flavoring.
The only other ingredient is some of the pasta water you cook the noodles in. Pasta water has natural starches in it from the pasta that helps keep the sauce stay creamy and moist. It also helps the cheese melt without a fancy sauce.
How to make creamy Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese?
Are you wondering how to make creamy greek yogurt Mac and Cheese? It's surprisingly easy and here's a step-by-step guide!
- Cook your pasta according to the directions on the box. Before you drain the noodles save ½ cup of the water the pasta was cooked in.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the hot pot. Turn the burner off but leave the pot on the warm stove.
- Add the greek yogurt, cheese, and spices to the pot. Add a couple of tablespoons of the pasta water. Stir until the cheese melts. If it seems a bit dry add a few more tablespoons of water. I usually end up adding about a ¼ cup.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
It's that easy. Honesty I think it's just as simple as any box but so much healthier. I love knowing that I'm feeding my family something good.
Variations on this Healthy Mac and Cheese
You can make your homemade and healthy Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese super good for you with some of the products you make it with or a bit more indulgent. Here are low-cal, low-fat and gluten-free options.
- You can pick plain pasta, whole wheat, or protein pasta. You can even make the dish gluten-free by picking a gluten-free pasta.
- You can pick a higher fat yogurt for a more indulgent meal. A low fat yogurt will make a more low cal final product.
- Same with your cheese! A whole milk cheese will make a creamier finished product.
- I love the classic sharp cheddar cheese but you can mix up the type of cheese you use for different flavors! Gouda or mozzarella is a great one too.
- For extra veggies stir in some spinach, kale, or even broccoli at the end.
Any way you make it the Greek Yogurt adds probiotics and protein!
Low Fat Mac and Cheese With Greek Yogurt
To make a low fat Mac and Cheese with Greek Yogurt use the 0% greek yogurt and low fat cheese! If you are watching calories this is a great way to have your favorite comfort food without all the calories.
Can I use Greek Yogurt Instead of Milk in Mac and Cheese?
YES! This recipe uses no milk and greek yogurt instead. It allows you to get a creamy texture without making a traditional cheese sauce. It's pure magic.
This is really a one-pot wonder! It is super easy to throw together after a run or on a busy day. The creamy Greek yogurt allows the cheese to melt perfectly without milk or even making a fancy sauce. It's such a fabulous shortcut.
In fact, this Greek Yogurt Mac & Cheese might be the easiest Mac & Cheese you make... even as easy as the box with that questionable orange powder. But this tastes better than the box and is better for you. Just be careful with a delicious pot like this as it will be gone in no time. It's twin and hubby approved.
My family eats it all in one sitting so I wouldn’t plan on having any leftovers! If you do though it reheats well in the microwave.
Love healthy pasta recipes? Also try...
- 3 Ingredient Creamy Pesto Pasta
- Creamy Cauliflower Mac & Cheese (hidden veggies)
- Kale Pasta
- 15 Minute Creamy Healthy Pumpkin Pasta
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and a star rating ★ below. Make sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook too!
Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 cups macaroni elbow pasta
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ teaspoon dried mustard
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and reserve ½ cup of the water you cooked the pasta in for the sauce. Do not rinse the pasta.
- Turn off the burner and return the pasta to the warm pot, and add the cheese, greek yogurt. Add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Stir until the cheese melts and the pasta is coated. Add a few more tablespoons of the pasta water as needed until you get the right consistency.
- Stir in the salt, pepper and spices. Adjust to taste.
Notes
Nutrition
Pin for later...
KittyCook says
This is such a darn clever recipe. Never would have thought of using pasta water like carbonara but it works like a charm. I've been on a low fat diet due to gallbladder issues and haven't had mac and cheese for months. Thank you for restoring mac and cheese to my life.
Michele says
can I make this with fat free cheddar cheese?
JulieWunder says
Yes! It turns out creamier with full fat but it does work either way!
Diana says
Hello, what could be a good substitute for the dried mustard?
JulieWunder says
Hi Diana, You could do a small amount of regular mustard - dijon or yellow, horseradish powder, or just leave it out.
Cinnamon says
This was fantastic! Thank you for a healthy macaroni & cheese to add to my he rotation.
Sarah says
Is there a way to adapt this for a crock pot?
JulieWunder says
I don't think this would work well in the crock pot. Here's my recipe for slow cooker mac and cheese. ---> https://www.runninginaskirt.com/crock-pot-challenge-3-no-pre-boil-mac-cheese/
Heather says
what is the serving size? I can't seem to find it included in the recipe.
JulieWunder says
It's 1/4 of the recipe!
imsen says
Healthy mac n’cheese, pah! That wouldn’t taste good would it?? But then… *takes a forkful*… speechless. OH MY. So good. The “Greek ingredients’ add so much flavor and the crunch of the pita chip topping is to die for! So good. Thanks hon, love everything about this healthy recipe! x
Tuscan Chicken Mac n Cheese
HEATHER A JEZOREK says
I am going to try tripling this recipe to take to an event. Has anyone tried baking it? I assume I would just undercook the pasta and bit and the rest of the steps would be the same, other than dumping it in a baking pan and topping it with bread or cracker crumbs?
JulieWunder says
Hi Heather! I haven't tried that yet, but it could work. Might give it a little extra liquid for the sauce because it will thicken when it cooks. Let me know what happens. 🙂
Mallory says
Hi! I made this with 0% fat Greek yogurt, reduced fat cheese (Target brand), and Barila protein pasta, so I thought I’d drop the macros for everyone who’s also interested in making a low-fat, high protein version of this recipe:
For a 150g serving:
Calories: 281
Fat: 10.6g
Carbohydrates: 29.9
Protein: 19.8
This is SUCH a great high-protein side when I’m getting sick of chicken and rice all the time 😅
JulieWunder says
Thank you Mallory! I'm so glad you liked it and thanks for the extra nutritional information.
Anna Hahn says
Try with Banza pasta for even more protein!!!
Wendy says
Just made it and it’s delicious! Only had to add two tblsp of reserved pasta water. Used 2% plan Greek yoghurt. Love it. Thanks!
John says
Can I use a plain non-fat greek yogurt?
JulieWunder says
Yes! That works perfectly!
Kara says
I am a bariatric patient and when starting my journey I was sad about giving up my ultimate comfort food, max and cheese. I just tried this mix with chickpea pasta and really liked it. After so long without it, it was nice to find something I love that I can incorporate into my new lifestyle
JulieWunder says
I'm so glad you liked it! This is such a great healthy swap!
Tatiana says
Never knew Greek yogurt can make such an amazing Mac and cheese. So good!
Gail Montero says
What a fabulous idea to add greek yogurt to mac and cheese! That surely guarantees another layer of flavor to this dish!
Amanda Dixon says
Now this is my kind of comfort food! The Greek yogurt added such a wonderful creaminess, and I love that everything cooked in one pot. This is a winner.
Natalie says
I was looking for a healthier version of mac & cheese. This is perfect! My son loves mac & cheese, but I don't like all the unnecessary calories that come with the classic version. I'm definitely going to make him this.
Gloria says
What a great way to prepare this comfort food classic. Using yogurt is such a great idea. Cuts down on all the calories from cheese.
Claudia Lamascolo says
I love how creamy this looks we are huge fans of mac and cheese and this is one of the easiest recipes to follow I have come across thanks for this!
Rachel says
Is the 1x recipe for one serving? Or what is the serving for the nutrition listed? Can’t wait to try this!
JulieWunder says
Hi there! The recipe and nutrition information is for four servings in the recipe. The 1x, 2x, 3x gives you an option to double or triple the recipe easily. I hope you enjoy it!
Lindsey says
This recipe is amazing!!! My husband and I like to eat healthy but wanted something comforting and came across this recipe. We made it with chickpea shell pasta and added spinach. We couldn’t believe how easy, good, and healthy it was and packed with protein. Thank you! Will definitely be making it again!
Nisha says
I just tried this out and boy was it a DELICIOUS mac and cheese. I added in salmon and broccoli as well. I'll admit I was a little hesitant about adding the mustard (i didn't have dry so i used the liquid one) because my previous attempt using yoghurt in mac and cheese came out pretty tangy and I was afraid that the mustard would add to that, but boy was i wrong. It elevated the taste of the dish and with paprika too, just perfect. I love how delicious and healthy it is. Thank you for sharing this!
Natalie says
My kid loves mac&cheese. This recipe is so healthy and packed with only a good things. I will definitely switch to this version and serve him this creamy deliciousness from now on.
Leslie says
My kids will no longer let me make boxed mac and cheese! lol. Your recipe is a bit healthier than a few I have tried. I need to try it out bc I love that you used greek yogurt!
Sarah says
We love greek yogurt but never would have thought to include it in mac and cheese! Will definitely be trying this!
Deborah Brooks says
I also love to make mac n cheese. I have not tried it with Greek Yogurt yet but I will. Thanks for the idea
Rachel says
I never would have thought to use Greek yogurt. What a wonderful substitution for traditional mac and cheese!
Nicole @ Waterloo, with Love says
I love greek yogurt, and I love Mac & Cheese - this recipe is just... perfect. 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thanks Nicole! It is super tasty!
Susanna @Zealous Mom says
This sounds so delicious! I love healthier versions of traditional comfort foods. I can't wait to try this. I'm a huge Greek yogurt fan.
JulieWunder says
Me too! Sadly when I have insomnia I think about all the recipes I can make with it! haha!
Heather @fitncookies says
This looks delicious! Honestly I definitely have the ingredients and will be making this soon.
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
Thanks for linking up with us this week. This looks really good. I would not have thought to add the Greek yogurt. Good idea. Looks yummy! Hope to see more of your recipes 🙂
Tina muir says
This sounds SO good! I have always wanted to try mac and cheese with greek yogurt, and now you have done it for me! I know it works now! YUM! Win for me as its healthy, and win for my man as its cheesy! Thanks for the recipe, and thanks for linking up with us 🙂 Hope you will join us again next week!
MILLIE says
THIS REALLY SOUNDS GOOD, I WILL TRY THIS, MY COMFORT FOOD IS
CORN BREAD AND BUTTERMILK, SOUNDS BAD BUT ITS GOOD, HAVE A GREAT DAY
Annmarie says
What an awesome idea to use yogurt! I can't eat it but I'd definitely make this for my kiddos 🙂
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
You know shrimp mac and cheese is always a winner? ; )
JulieWunder says
Don't temp me... 🙂
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says
This is a great idea. Why have I never thought of this? Okay I think your mac n cheese and my rolls would definitely be a preggo lady's carb heaven right now. Mmm!
JulieWunder says
Seriously!!! I'm not preggo and I'm totally wanting that now 🙂 You have a good excuse!
Jessie says
It's actually quite hard to find Greek Yogurt all the times where I live, but I'll be keeping my eyes out for some so I can make these creamy mac & cheese. I think I'd add in some chicken for a little extra protein.
JulieWunder says
Great idea! I'm sure that would work well. Bummer about the Greek Yogurt 🙁
Jenny says
Genius! I love the addition of greek yogurt...this is going to happen ASAP.
Our family knows that I will find a way to sneak veggies into anything. I blend a handful of spinach or kale into pancakes, oatmeal, brownies, most any baked good...as long as I use a bit of banana in the recipe too, no one can taste the greens, everything just IS green. 😉 Popeye would be proud.
JulieWunder says
That is awesome! What a good way to good extra vitamins.
Blane Sherer says
I especially liked your a day in the life blog from
yesterday. I have a daughter who was named after
Maya Angelou, so I certainly appreciated your quote
of hers. This recipe looks good today.
JulieWunder says
She was a brilliant lady 🙂