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Mac ‘n’ Cheese Dinner

5 reviews
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 25 min.

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Dec. 30, 2023
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
Mac ‘n’ Cheese Dinner
Mac 'n' Cheese Dinner Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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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

Directions

  1. 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.
  2. 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

1-1/2 cups: 284 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 609mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein.