Recipe Description:
Avocado goodness can make any dish better – even classics like macaroni and cheese. Enjoy this colorful twist on the traditional favorite to break from a dinner rut and benefit from a boost of flavor and nutrients. Ready in 20 minutes, this easy recipe makes quick work of dinner and is rich in both protein and fiber!
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Servings:
- Recipe serving size: 1 cup
- Number of servings:
Ingredients:
- 2 cup dry elbow macaroni, cooked according to package directions
- 2 ripe, fresh avocados, halved, pitted and peeled
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 cup reduced-fat milk
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (4 oz.) reduced fat Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
- 2 cup (about 8 ounces) cooked chicken breast meat, diced
- 2/3 cup canned black beans no salt added, rinsed and drained
- 2 Tbsp. salsa verde, fresh or store bought
- 3/4 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
Instructions:
- Place one avocado, garlic and salt into a small bowl. Mash with fork until smooth. Cut remaining avocado into ¼-inch pieces and set aside.
- Heat milk in a medium sauce pan over medium heat until just simmering. Add flour, whisking until smooth and thickened. Add cheese, avocado mixture, cooked macaroni, cooked chicken, black beans and salsa verde stirring until evenly coated; remove from heat.
- Top with tomatoes and avocado pieces; serve immediately.
Notes & Tips:
Add more color and texture by topping with sliced green onion or cooked corn kernels. Cooked ground beef or tofu may be used in place of cooked chicken.
Nutrition Facts
6 servings per recipe
Serving Size 1 serving (224g)
| Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 380 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 14g | 18% | |
| Saturated Fat 4.5g | 23% | |
| Trans Fat 0g | - | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.5g | - | |
| Monounsaturated Fat 6g | - | |
| Cholesterol 55mg | 18% | |
| Sodium 420mg | 18% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 40g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber 6g | 21% | |
| Total Sugars 4g | - | |
| Includes 0g Added Sugars | 0% | |
| Protein 26g | 52% | |
| Vitamin D 0.6mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium 210mg | 15% | |
| Iron 2.4mg | 15% | |
| Potassium 660mg | 15% | |
| Vitamin A 130mcg | 15% | |
| Vitamin C 8mg | 8% | |
| Vitamin E 1.5mg | 10% | |
| Vitamin K 13mcg | 10% | |
| Thiamin 0.5mg | 40% | |
| Riboflavin 0.5mg | 35% | |
| Niacin 8.5mg | 50% | |
| Vitamin B6 0.7mg | 40% | |
| Folate 165mcg DFE | 40% | |
| Vitamin B12 0.5mcg | 20% | |
| Pantothenic Acid 1.7mg | 35% | |
| Phosphorus 350mg | 30% | |
| Magnesium 70mg | 15% | |
| Zinc 2.2mg | 20% | |
| Selenium 38mcg | 70% | |
| Copper 0.3mg | 30% | |
| Manganese 0.5mg | 25% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
