Total Time: 30 minutes | Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes
Craving cheesy comfort but need something packable for lunchboxes tomorrow? This creamy mac and cheese comes together in 30 minutes with frozen peas for a veggie boost.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk and bring to a simmer. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Remove pot from heat and stir in salt, pepper, cheddar cheese, and frozen peas. Add cooked macaroni and toss to coat.
Serves 4-6 – perfect for a family dinner with easy lunchbox leftovers.
Picky Eaters
- Puree or finely chop the peas to hide them in the sauce.
- Swap half the cheddar for a milder cheese like Monterey Jack.
- Top each portion with extra shredded cheese or crumbled crackers.
Easy Swaps
Pasta: Substitute any short pasta shape like shells, rotini, or penne.
Veggie: Replace peas with steamed broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach.
Cheese: Mix in shredded gouda, gruyere, or pepper jack for extra flavor.
Breadcrumb Topping: Top with panko or regular breadcrumbs tossed with melted butter.
Serving Ideas
Pair with a simple salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal.
Scoop chilled leftovers into a thermos for an easy, protein-packed lunchbox solution.
Make it a meal prep win: Double the recipe and refrigerate half for heat-and-eat lunches or dinners later in the week.
Does your family have a dinner solution that saves you on busy weeknights? Submit your go-to recipe to contact@organizedmomcollective.com for a chance to be featured in our next post!
