Bright 'N Zesty Mac N Cheese Recipe

Name: Bright 'N Zesty Mac N Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 pound cavatappi pasta (or other elbow macaroni pasta); 1 cup frozen peas; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 cups whole milk; 2 cups grated medium white cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated aged asiago cheese; 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice; 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest (from about 2 lemons); Salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves, plus more for garnish; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sweet basil leaves, plus more for garnish

Servings: persons

1/2 pound cavatappi pasta (or other elbow macaroni pasta)
1 cup frozen peas
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups whole milk
2 cups grated medium white cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated aged asiago cheese
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves, plus more for garnish
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sweet basil leaves, plus more for garnish

1
Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Then add frozen peas into pot to cook them quickly for no more than 2 minutes. Drain pasta and peas together and do not rinse with water.
2
In a pot over medium-high heat, heat butter until melted. While whisking constantly, add flour to form a smooth paste. Cook butter and flour together for about 2 minutes. While still whisking, pour in milk and mix until paste is thoroughly dissolved in milk. Allow milk to heat up and begin to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, just until sauce begins to thicken and coat the back of a wooden spoon. Adjust heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 1 minute. While continuing to whisk, add white cheddar and asiago cheeses, handful by handful, so they melt evenly and slowly. After all cheese is added, mix in lemon juice, zest, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, chopped mint, chopped parsley, and chopped basil. Adjust sauce for seasoning.
3
Add in drained pasta and peas and fold with cheese sauce until pasta is evenly coated. Serve immediately, with additional chopped herbs on top and a slice of lemon.

758

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

No additional tips available.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

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This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1/2 pound cavatappi pasta (or other elbow macaroni pasta), 1 cup frozen peas, 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, and more.

Yes, Bright 'N Zesty Mac N Cheese falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Bright 'N Zesty Mac N Cheese

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