Easy, Creamy Mac-N-Cheese

MAKES 4 SERVINGS; HANDS-ON TIME: 20 MIN. TOTAL TIME: 20 MIN.

Ingredients:


1/2 (16-oz.) package rotini pasta
(healthy option = 100% whole grain pasta)

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup all purpose flour

2 1/2 cups of 2% milk

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. ground red pepper

1/8 tsp. garlic powder

2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Recipe directions:

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions.

2. Meanwhile, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Gradually whisk in flour until smooth; cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and next 3 ingredients; cook, whisking constantly, 8 to 10 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat.

3. Gradually stir in Cheddar cheese, stirring until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Stir in hot cooked pasta. Serve immediately.



A little extra!!!

Variations:

Southwest Chicken Mac-n-Cheese: Stir 2 cups chopped cooked chicken and 1 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, drained, into cheese sauce with pasta.


Spinach-Bacon Mac-n-Cheese: Stir 1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon (about 6 slices; healthy option = turkey bacon) and 1 (6-oz.) package of fresh baby spinach into cheese sauce with pasta.


Broccoli-Ham Mac-n-Cheese: Stir 2 cups of chopped smoked ham and 1 (12-oz.) package of frozen steam-in-bag broccoli florets, cooked according to package directions, into cheese sauce with pasta.


Chicken-Asparagus Mac-n-Cheese: Stir 2 cups chopped cooked chicken and 1 (9-oz.) package frozen asparagus cuts, cooked according to package directions, into cheese sauce with pasta.