MAC 'N' CHEESE DINNER

Mac 'n' Cheese Dinner image

Don't settle for ordinary mac and cheese. This version is my kids' favorite, so I always make a huge pot. It's an easy recipe to cut down or double (or triple!). It can also be made into a low-fat recipe if you use nonfat milk, reduced-fat cheeses and lean ham. -Raymond James, Port Orchard, Washington

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 25m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
4 medium carrots, thinly sliced
1 package (10 ounces) frozen peas
1 cup cubed fully cooked ham
2/3 cup 2% milk
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

Cook macaroni in boiling water for 3 minutes. Add carrots and peas; return to a boil. Cook until macaroni is tender, 5-6 minutes longer. Drain; add ham. , In a 1-qt. microwave-safe dish, combine the milk and cream cheese. Cover and microwave at 50% power for 3 minutes; stir. Cook until cream cheese is melted, 2-3 minutes longer. Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, basil, salt and pepper. Pour over pasta and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 284 calories, Fat 10g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 40mg cholesterol, Sodium 609mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 18g protein.