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Recipe Hippie

A free spirited approach towards Mediterranean diet recipes

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Zucchini Mac And Cheese

November 24, 2020 by Elizabeth Murray | Affiliate Disclaimer
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This cheesy zucchini recipe is SO easy and delicious, you are definitely going to want to add this to your favorite comfort foods list! It takes 25 minutes to make, and is a great simple dinner idea! And zucchini mac and cheese is a healthier alternative to satisfy that gooey orange mac and cheese craving that we all get from time to time!

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vegan zucchini mac and cheese

Why eat zucchini Mac And Cheese?

Zucchini mac and cheese is a great option because you are responsible for every ingredient that is put into it.

When we buy packaged mac and cheese with powdered cheese or gooey Velveta cheese, we really don’t know what preservatives have been added to it. These processed mac and cheeses are definitely not healthy.

Although this recipe does use cheese and pesto, it is definitely a healthier option than store bought mac and cheese. And it is a great way to get your kids to eat zucchini!

easy healthy mac and cheese

Need a dutch oven? Here is a similar one to the one I use, but in a way cuter color! Le Creuset 3.5 quart dutch oven in cactus

How to make it:

You start by filling a large sauce pan or dutch oven with broth and zucchini. Let it simmer until the zucchini is soft. Once soft, pour it into a blender and add garlic, salt, pepper, lemon juice, pesto and milk.

Blend it until it is well combined. Toss it with your favorite pasta and add the cheese, and you’re all set to enjoy this healthy mac and cheese recipe! All in all it takes about 25 minutes.

Quick, easy and SO tasty!

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cheesy zucchini recipe

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is this a vegan mac and cheese recipe?It can be! Just use a dairy milk alternative and vegan cheese!
If I’m not vegan, should I add meat to it?I personally LOVE this recipe with sausage! It really adds to the depth of flavor and pairs beautifully with this dish.
What kind of cheese should I use?I HIGHLY recommend using jalapeno cheddar cheese for this recipe. It needs a bite, and regular cheddar is too mild.
easy zucchini mac and cheese

Did you make this recipe? Rate it below and tag me in your creation on Instagram! @RecipeHippie

mac and cheese

Zucchini Mac And Cheese

This mac and cheese recipe combines zucchini, pesto and cheese for a delicious and healthier take on a classic dish.
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Cook Time 25 mins
Course Dinner, lunch
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Blender

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
  • 4 zucchinis, stems removed
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 8 ounces jalapeno cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 cup milk or vegan milk (any kind of milk is fine)
  • 4-5 tbsp basil pesto
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbsp lemon
  • your favorite pasta!

Instructions
 

  • Place a large sauce pan or dutch oven over a burner and pour in chicken or vegetable broth. Cut the zucchini into about 1/4 inch medallions, removing the stems, and place them in the pan/pot.
  • Bring broth to a boil and simmer, stirring and flipping the medallions frequently, until they are very soft. This takes about 20 minutes. If you have a lid, place it over to quicken the process.
  • Once this is done, let it cool for a few minutes, then add the zucchinis and broth to the blender. Toss in lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, pesto and milk. Blend until a smooth sauce is formed.
  • Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta, then toss in the grated jalapeno cheese. Stir until completely melted, and serve! Option to garnish with parsley, basil and/or crushed peppercorns.

Notes

Tips:
  • This dish does very well as a great ‘left overs’ lunch! 
  • I recommend serving this with sausage if you eat meat, for a boost of protein! 
Keyword healthy mac and cheese, zucchini mac and cheese

Did you like my Zucchini Mac and Cheese recipe? If so, go check out my Sweet Potato And Ground Beef Meatballs recipe!

ground beef oven meatballs

sweet potato and ground beef oven meatballs

These eggless and dairy free meatballs are a healthier, and dare I say, more delicious meatball option! Ground beef is mixed with cooked sweet potato, spices and red onion, and is baked in the oven for a crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, meatball! Give these tasty sweet potato and ground beef oven …

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Category: Dinner Recipes, Healthy Recipes, Lunch recipes, Vegan Recipes
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Affiliate Disclaimer

My posts may contain affiliate links. Every one of the affiliate companies is a company that I stand by and believe in. If you choose to purchase something through their link on my website, you won’t pay a penny more, but I will receive a small commission. It helps me to continue to create great content for you! Thanks!

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Hey, I’m Liz!

I am SO thrilled to meet you!

I’m a Physical Therapy Assistant turned food blogger, and love merging my intrigue for the human body with my passion for all things food! I’m here to show you that enjoying a Mediterranean diet doesn’t mean that you can only eat Mediterranean food! I can’t wait to show you how rewarding the MedDiet lifestyle can be!

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About Me

Hello! I am the recipe hippie, and I am here to give you a free spirited approach towards home cooking. When it comes to the ingredients you have available, I challenge you to reject your conventional notions around recipes and think outside of the box. Substitutions are encouraged! So open up your pantry, get creative and have fun. Some of the greatest things in life originated through improvisation!

Hello! I am the recipe hippie, and I am here to give you a free spirited approach towards home cooking!

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