• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

cait's plate

helping chronic dieters break free from diet culture and make peace with food and body.

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • FOOD PHILOSOPHY
    • FITNESS PHILOSPHY
  • RECIPES
    • BREAKFAST & BRUNCH
    • LUNCH
    • DINNER
    • SNACKS & SIDES
    • DESSERT
    • THE BASICS
  • NUTRITION
    • INTUITIVE EATING SERIES
    • NUTRITION TOPICS
    • POPULAR DIETS
  • MOTHERHOOD
    • TODDLER FEEDING
    • PREGNANCY
    • BABY
  • FREE RESOURCES
  • NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP
  • CONTACT
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

whole wheat pesto greek yogurt baked mac and cheese

9 · Oct 9, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

creamy pesto is combined with a rich, cheesy sauce, poured over whole grain pasta and roasted brussel sprouts then topped with crispy bread crumbs and baked to perfection. 

whole wheat pesto greek yogurt mac and cheese // cait's plate

Okay so don’t let the wordy title of this dish scare you off because it’s actually really easy.

How easy you might ask?  I literally whipped this up yesterday morning in-between Owen’s 7am feeding and 8am breakfast.  That includes making the homemade spinach walnut pesto!

whole wheat pesto greek yogurt mac and cheese // cait's plate

This is truly comfort food at it’s best, but it’s also got sneaky veggies in there!  Not only is the pesto made from spinach, but I also folded in some lightly roasted shaved brussel sprouts!

You can get as crazy as you want, if I had had it on hand, I also would’ve thrown in some lightly roasted broccoli (I definitely plan to do that next time).

whole wheat pesto greek yogurt mac and cheese // cait's plate

So yes, this is a total comfort food dish, but at the same time you’re still getting whole grains, protein from the cheese and yogurt, heart-healthy fats from the pesto and veggies!

Cheesy goodness packed with flavor and nutrition?  That’s my kind of comfort food right there.

whole wheat pesto greek yogurt mac and cheese // cait's plate

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
whole wheat pesto greek yogurt mac and cheese // cait's plate

whole wheat pesto greek yogurt baked mac and cheese

  • Author: Cait
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 70 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
  • Category: dinner
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Scale
For the Pesto:
  • 3–4 cups of spinach
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3–4 tablespoon freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
  • Olive oil
For the Mac & Cheese:
  • 1 pound whole wheat elbow macaroni
  • 1 quart (4 cups) non-fat milk
  • 8 tablespoons earth balance, divided
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 6 ounces (2 cups) gruyere, grated
  • 6 ounces (2 cups) swiss, grated
  • 6 ounces (2 cups) extra-sharp white cheddar, grated
  • 1 cup shaved parmesan, lightly roasted
  • 1 cup panko or whole wheat bread crumbs
  • 1 single-serve container siggi’s whole milk yogurt
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil

    Instructions

    For the Pesto:
    1. Add garlic, spinach, walnuts, cheese, salt & pepper into a food processor and begin to process, streaming in olive oil until you’ve reached your desired consistency
    2. Process until smooth and set aside

    For the Mac & Cheese:

    1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
    2. Place shaved (or roughly chopped) brussel sprouts on a sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil, salt & pepper. Roast 20-30 minutes or until just lightly browned.
    3. While brussel sprouts roast, drizzle oil into a large pot of boiling salted water. Add the macaroni and cook according to the directions on the package, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain well.
    4. Heat the milk in a small saucepan, being careful not to let it boil.
    5. In a separate large saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of earth balance then add the flour. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring with a whisk.
    6. Continue whisking and add the hot milk and cook for a minute or two more, until thickened and smooth.
    7. Remove from the heat and add the cheese, salt and pepper stirring to combine and until cheese is melted and gooey. Add pesto then add the cooked macaroni, roasted brussel sprouts and stir well. Pour into a 3-quart baking dish then dollop yogurt throughout.
    8. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of earth balance, combine them with the fresh bread crumbs, and sprinkle on the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the macaroni is browned on the top.

    Notes

    You can omit the brussel sprouts if they’re not your thing or sub in another favorite veggie (steamed broccoli florets work well too!)

    Keywords: mac and cheese, pesto, whole grain, dinner

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @caitsplate on Instagram and hashtag it #caitsplate

    Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

    You Might Also Like:

    Baked Pumpkin Mac and Cheese with Roasted Brussel Sprouts

    baked pumpkin mac and cheese with roasted brussel sprouts - a delicious, autumnal twist on a classic // cait's plate

    Whole Wheat Broccoli & Greek Yogurt Baked Mac & Cheese

    whole wheat broccoli & greek yogurt baked mac & cheese // cait's plate
    9

    Related posts:

    No related posts.

    DINNER, MEATLESS, VEGETARIAN, WHOLE GRAIN

    please note: items in these posts may contain affiliate links which simply means I earn a small amount of money if you click on them (at no additional cost to you).  this money is always re-invested in cait’s plate so I can continue to create free content to you!

    Popular Posts

    • 4-ingredient green smoothie (726)
    • peanut butter and jelly waffle sandwich (367)
    • black bean, corn, sweet potato & farro bowl (with creamy avocado yogurt sauce) (242)

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆
    Recipe Rating




    Footer

    more from instagram:

    it took a while for me to get to a point where I r it took a while for me to get to a point where I realized I was chasing something that wasn't working for me.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
we're constantly told that thinner is better, that being healthy takes willpower and discipline.  that ‘pain is weakness leaving the body.’⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
it took me years of being miserable as I tried to adhere to all of diet culture's rules before I got to my 'ah-ha' moment.  what I was doing was not only making me unhappy, but it was harming not only my physical health, but my mental health too.  and wasn't I supposed to be doing all of this in the NAME of health?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I wish I could go back to my younger self and tell her it wasn't worth it.  all the rigidity, missing out and being so unhappy - all in the name of doing what I thought would lead to my happiest, healthiest life.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
we’re taught we can’t trust ourselves to know what’s best.  that we need to follow someone else’s plan for us in order to live a happy, healthy life.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
but for whatever it’s worth to anyone out there that might need to hear this: I’m always my happiest, healthiest self when I lean into my own body and my own experiences - not someone else’s idea of what it should be.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#caitsplatenutrition #caitsplate #antidietculture #nondietdietitian #bodyrespect #breakthedietcycle #dietsdontwork #antidietculture #foodfreedom #intuitiveeatingjourney #intuititveeating #disorderedeatingrecovery
    it's not officially fall for me until I've had thi it's not officially fall for me until I've had this harvest wrap.  it's quick, easy and the perfect melt of my favorite fall flavors.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
here's what I put in it:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
* mixed greens⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
* roasted sweet potatoes⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
* diced apple⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
* diced pear⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
* chickpeas (could also use chicken!)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
* red onion⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
* dried cranberries⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
* walnuts (can also use pecans)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
* goat cheese (feta would also be great)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I drizzle the whole thing with olive oil and balsamic glaze.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
printable recipe on @caitsplate: https://caitsplate.com/vegetarian-harvest-wrap/⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#caitsplatefood #caitsplate #vegetarianlunch #easymeal #fallfood #f52community #thefeedfeed #vegetarianrecipes #vegetarianmeals #vegetarianfoodshare
    walk through the grocery store and you’re bound walk through the grocery store and you’re bound to find “natural” prominently featured on any number of products.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
the idea of something being “natural” has infiltrated marketing messages in everything from our toiletries & cleaning products to food & beauty items.  that companies have found this term so useful for sales is no wonder - it’s heavily promoted in our society as being “better” for us.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
yet, we’re often told by this same health and wellness culture not to trust our natural, internal signs and signals.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
we’re told to push through exhaustion even if what our bodies really need is rest, we’re told to ignore our signals of hunger and fullness in deference to a pre-set plan, we’re constantly told to fix, resize and reshape our bodies from their natural states.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
it’s worth noting that there’s little profit to be made off us trusting and honoring our body’s innate signals and states.  if we could simply trust our own bodies, we would have no need to buy solutions to “fix” our wellness “problems.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
it then begs the question, is it truly our health and wellness, or simply the chance to profit, that motivates so much of the messaging in our health and wellness culture?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
part of freeing yourself from diet culture is unraveling the pervasive messaging we often take as hard truth and picking it apart based on our lived experience and knowledge.  this can help us determine what truly serves our overall wellbeing versus what is simply padding the pockets of the industry.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#caitsplatenutrition #caitsplate #dietsdontwork #intuitiveeatingjourney #ditchthediet #bodyrespect #foodfreedom #nondietapproach #bodyacceptance #nondietdietitian #nofoodrules #antidiet #antidietculture #breakfreefromdieting
    white bean & veggie farro soup! a latest spin on white bean & veggie farro soup!  a latest spin on one of my favorite soup recipes.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
super simple to pull together, perfectly comforting and great to make ahead and reheat for easy meals (my favorite kind 🙌)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
recipe is linked in my profile (@caitsplate)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
https://caitsplate.com/white-bean-veggie-farro-soup/⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#caitsplatefood #caitsplate #f52community #soupseason #vegetarianrecipeshare #meatless #souprecipe #easymeal #easycooking #recipeshare
    one of the things I hear most often from individua one of the things I hear most often from individuals looking to break free form diet culture and embrace intuitive eating is “I feel like all I’m doing is thinking and analyzing my food behaviors and all I want to do is stop thinking so much about food.”

this is completely understandable.  when food and food rules have owned your life for so long, and you finally embrace the thing that’s supposed to help you break that cycle, it can feel like a lot.

the difference is, while intuitive eating may require a deeper dive at the outset, it ultimately sets you *free* from all the over-thinking and analyzing of food & food choices, setting you up for a peaceful relationship with food that can last a lifetime.

dieting and food rules feel simple at the outset, but keep us in a never-ending cycle of distress around food.

#caitsplatenutrition #caitsplate #intuitiveeating #disorderedeating #disorderedeatingrecovery #bodydysmorphia #redefiningbeauty #i_weigh #antidietculture #nondietdietitian #intuitiveeatingjourney #antidiet #nondietdietitian
    pumpkin turkey meatballs! done in less than 30 mi pumpkin turkey meatballs!  done in less than 30 minutes with less than 10 ingredients.  a perfect easy fall meal!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
grab the recipe details on @caitsplate (link in profile): https://caitsplate.com/pumpkin-turkey-meatballs/⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#caitsplatefood #caitsplate #pumpkinseason #pumpkinrecipes #easymeal #easydinner #dinnerrecipes #dinnertonight #f52community #thefeedfeed

    Disclaimer: Statements on this website are meant for general use only and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease. Readers are advised to consult with their healthcare providers prior to making any changes to their healthcare management. The information contained in this site is intended to serve as an inspirational aid and should be used in conjunction with advice from your healthcare professional. It is a supplement, not a substitute, to the knowledge, skill and expertise of healthcare professionals involved in patient care. All information contained in this site is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without giving appropriate credit to the original source.

    Copyright © 2022 · Seasoned Pro