The New Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a classic dish but I bet you never had mac and cheese with this much flavor and still under 500 calories. This dish has a delicious crunch and even some vegetables and cashews...

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup cashews
• 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan
  
• 1/2 cup ricotta
  
• 2 tablespoons light herb and garlic cream cheese
• 4 cubic inches crumbled feta
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 large shallot sliced
• 4 garlic cloves chopped
• 1 package cubed pancetta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  
• 4 ounces spinach
• 8 ounces whole wheat macaroni
  

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F
2. Cook pasta according to package directions.
   
3. Combine cashews and panko in food processor and process until finely chopped add in parmesan, mix well and set aside.
   
4. Combine ricotta, cream cheese, feta and cheddar in bowl, mix well and set aside.
5. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium high heat add shallot and garlic and sweat about 3 minutes, add in pancetta and cook for about 5 minutes.
6. Reduce heat to low and add in spinach and wilt about 3 minutes.
7. Combine spinach and ricotta mixture with macaroni, top with panko mixture and place in oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes until crust is brown.
8. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes and serve.

Serves 4-6