20-Minute Mac and Cheese

Makes 8 servings

Prep Time: 20 min.

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

Directions

Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.

1. In 3-quart nonstick saucepan, melt butter over low heat.  Stir in flour, salt, mustard and pepper.

2. 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.

3. Boil and stir 1 minute.  Stir in cheese until melted.  Stir pasta, onions and bell pepper into sauce.  Cook, stirring constantly, until hot.

Alan’s Kitchen Tips

• Use Swiss cheese and a dash of ground nutmeg in place of the Cheddar cheese to bring a whole new flavor to this traditional pasta dish.
• Try one of the many new pasta shapes or flavored pasta in this quick recipe.