5.0 from 6 votes
Spring Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese with all sorts of creamy cheesy goodness, peas, and pancetta.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 519 kcal
Course:
Side Dish , Main Course , Dinner
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 4 ounces pancetta cut into small pieces
- ½ pound medium shell pasta
- 3 cups 2% milk
- kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup grated fontina
- ½ cup grated gouda
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 cup fresh peas blanched (or 1 cup of frozen peas)
Optional for baked mac and cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- In medium saucepan, saute the pancetta until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. In the same medium skillet, over medium high heat, add milk, raw elbow macaroni, 1 teaspoon salt, butter, and garlic powder. Slowly bring the milk and macaroni mixture to a simmer, stirring the macaroni frequently as it comes up to a simmer. Keep an eye on the mixture to make sure the pasta continually gets stirred.
- Once simmering, turn down heat to low. Stir frequently. Cook for about 17-20 minutes or until the pasta is fully cooked. Drain the excess milk and place the pasta back into the pot.
- Stir in the grated cheese, pancetta and the blanched peas. Stir until the cheese is evenly incorporated into the macaroni. Turn off heat. Place lid on top of pan and cover for about 5 minutes and then serve.
Cup of Yum
Baked version:
- Transfer the mixture in a medium baking dish. Melt the butter for the topping and stir with the panko bread crumbs. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top of the mac and cheese and bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes until crispy. Serve as needed
Notes
- You really can't go wrong here! I love macaroni whether it's creamy from the stove or crisp from the oven. And leftovers are also fantastic. Feel free to switch to the meat and veg based on what's in your fridge.
Nutrition Information
Calories
519kcal
(26%)
Carbohydrates
46g
(15%)
Protein
22g
(44%)
Fat
27g
(42%)
Saturated Fat
15g
(75%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
9g
Trans Fat
0.4g
Cholesterol
77mg
(26%)
Sodium
567mg
(24%)
Potassium
405mg
(12%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
10g
(20%)
Vitamin A
757IU
(15%)
Vitamin C
10mg
(11%)
Calcium
376mg
(38%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 519
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 519kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 46g | 15% |
| Protein | 22g | 44% |
| Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Trans Fat | 0.4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 77mg | 26% |
| Sodium | 567mg | 24% |
| Potassium | 405mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 757IU | 15% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 376mg | 38% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.