20-Minute Mac and Cheese

By carvalhohm

Ingredients

• 2 packages (7 oz each) small pasta shells
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (12 oz)
• 4 medium green onions, sliced (1/4 cup)
• 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper

Details

Adapted from bettycrocker.com

Preparation

Step 1

1 Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.

2 Meanwhile, in 3-quart nonstick saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in flour, salt, mustard and pepper. Cook over low heat 20 seconds, stirring constantly, until butter is absorbed. Remove from heat; gradually beat in half-and-half with wire whisk. Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Stir in cheese until melted.

3 Stir pasta, onions and bell pepper into sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, until hot.

Expert Tips:

Use Swiss cheese and dash of ground nutmeg in place of Cheddar cheese to bring whole new flavor to this traditional pasta dish.

1 Serving: Calories 510