Kids love to make this mac-and-cheese dish! If not everyone enjoys both broccoli and peas, you can choose one of the vegetables, or keep the veggies on the side. For a lower-fat version, try using light cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb, your favorite shape (try whole wheat, black bean or lentil pasta!)
Butter
- 3 Tablespoons
Flour
- 3 Tablespoons all-purpose or gluten free flour
Milk
- 2 cups (low-fat dairy or plain, unsweetened soy milk)
Cheese
- 12 oz shredded cheddar cheese
Salt
- to taste (~¼ teaspoon)
Pepper
- to taste (~¼ teaspoon)
Frozen_Peas
- 2 cups, thawed
Frozen_broccoli
- 12 oz, thawed and chopped
Instructions
Step 1
Cook and strain pasta according to box directions.
Step 2
While pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in flour and whisk for 30 seconds.
Step 3
Carefully pour in milk and bring up to a simmer while stirring continuously until it starts to thicken. Make sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the pot with the spoon.
Step 4
Turn off the heat and stir in the cheese.
Step 5
Add in the peas and broccoli, stirring again.
Step 6
Add the cooked pasta and gently fold into the cheese mixture. Add salt and pepper according to taste.
Notes
*Sharp cheddar can make a delicious adult version of this mac and cheese, but may be a bit too complex for some kids. Mild cheddar is a safer bet for less adventurous eaters. Orange, white, or a combination of both will work great! The choice is yours!