Lactose Free Swiss Chard and Thyme Mac n’ Cheese

Eating a hearty, but nutritious meal is a great way to kick off a healthy mindset for Spring. mac n’ cheese often gets a bad rap for being an unhealthy comfort food, but there are so many ways to add flavor to this meal.

In this recipe, I used lactose-free cheese for those of you who are lactose intolerant, but you can surely use regular cow’s milk cheese if you can eat it.

Once the cheesy pasta was done, I added fresh thyme and crushed red pepper for a touch of sweetness and an extra punch of flavor and antioxidants. This amazing, fiber-filled and healthy flavor combo is sure to turn those upcoming April rainy days into happy days!

Swiss Chard & Thyme Mac n’ Cheese
Gluten-Free, Lactose-Free
Serves 4

Ingredients

  • 3/4 lb. gluten-free pasta
  • 3 Tbsp. dairy-free butter
  • 1 large white onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose gluten-free flour
  • 3 1/2 cups almond milk
  • 1/4 tsp. sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 1 large bunch Swiss chard, finely chopped
  • 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 bag lactose-free shredded Mozzarella cheese (I used GO! Veggie cheese in this recipe)

Directions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
  2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; add onion and cook for 5 minutes or until translucent.
  3. Add flour and cook for another 3 minutes, stirring often. Add almond milk, sea salt and pepper, continue to mix and cook until mixture comes to a boil, approximately 10 minutes. Reduce heat to low and cook for another 15 minutes, stirring often.
  4. Add Swiss chard, red pepper flakes, thyme and cheese. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring often.  Add pasta and toss to coat.
  5. Serve warm and enjoy!