MAC AND CHEESE WITH ASPARAGUS AND PEAS

Mac and Cheese with Asparagus and Peas image

This mac and cheese is made entirely on the stovetop and highlights the delicious combination of bacon, asparagus and peas. The addition of cream cheese helps to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

Kosher salt
2 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
2 scallions, sliced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
Freshly ground pepper
8 ounces small pasta shells (about 2 cups)
1/2 pound thin asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 ounces cream cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
3/4 cup frozen peas, thawed

Steps:

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bacon in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, stirring, until crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate.
Add the scallions to the Dutch oven (reserve 1 tablespoon of the dark scallion greens for topping). Cook over medium heat until softened, about 1 minute. Add the flour and whisk until toasted, 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk. Whisk in the mustard powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, whisking occasionally, until the sauce is thickened and smooth, about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook as the label directs for al dente, adding the asparagus to the pot in the last minute of cooking. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking water.
Whisk the cream cheese into the sauce until smooth. Reduce the heat to low and add the Parmesan and Jack cheese, a little at a time, until fully melted. Remove from the heat if the pasta is not done yet.
Stir the pasta, asparagus and peas into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Thin with the reserved cooking water, if needed (the sauce will thicken as it sits). Divide among bowls. Top with the bacon and reserved scallion greens.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 610, Fat 29 grams, SaturatedFat 15 grams, Cholesterol 78 milligrams, Sodium 901 milligrams, Carbohydrate 60 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 27 grams, Sugar 10 grams