The Best Macaroni, Cheese and Peas
Comfort food at its best – two cheeses create a rich and creamy meatless main dish or side for chicken or beef.
2 cups dry whole grain macaroni
3 Tbsps. butter, divided
2 Tbsps. all-purpose flour
½ tsp. dry mustard
¼ tsp. salt
⅛ tsp. pepper
1½ cups low fat milk
1 cup shredded low fat sharp Cheddar cheese, (4 oz.)
1 cup shredded low fat mozzarella cheese, (4 oz.)
1 can (15oz.) Del Monte® Sweet Peas, drained
2 Tbsps. seasoned fine dry bread crumbs
2 Tbsps. grated Parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 425°F. Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain. Cover and keep warm.
Meanwhile, for cheese sauce, melt 2 Tbsp. butter over medium heat in a medium saucepan. Stir in flour, mustard, salt and pepper. Add milk. Cook and stir 5 minutes or until thick and bubbly. Cook and stir 2 more minutes. Remove saucepan from heat.
Add Cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Stir cheese sauce and peas into macaroni; heat through. Pour into a greased 2-qt. baking dish.
Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese and remaining 1 Tbsp. melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle over macaroni. Bake, uncovered, 20 minutes or until topping is golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.