One Pot Cheesy Veggie Mac

This One-Pot Cheesy Veggie Mac is a slam-dunk on nights when you need a simple meal that everyone will eat, is ready in about 20 minutes, and sneaks in some veggies for good measure.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Course dinner, lunch, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings people

Calories 409 kcal

Equipment

1 large sauce pan
1 colander
1 wooden spoon

Ingredients

12 oz Radiatori pasta (like this) (or another textured noodle)
1 T salt I use course salt. If using table salt, use less.
1½ cups frozen peas and carrots
8 ounces Velveeta Melting Cheese (like this)
1 cup 2% milk
1 cup cheddar cheese freshly shredded

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Instructions

In a large pot, add approx 6 cups of water and 1T salt to a boil. Note: I use course salt. If using table salt, use less.
Add 12 oz of pasta and cook for about 5 minutes until pasta starts to become tender. Add 1 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrot mix to the pot as well. Cook pasta and veggies together in the boiling water for another 3 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to al dente. Tip: Stir a few times during cooking process to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
Drain pasta water from noodles and veggies in a colander, but do not rinse. Set pasta aside.
Using the same warm saucepan (you can rinse the pot if you want), warm 8 oz of the Velveeta and 1 cup of 2% milk over medium heat. Tip: Keep a close eye on the sauce and be sure to stir frequently to avoid scorching.
Once the Velveeta is mostly melted, stir in 1 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese. Note: its important to use freshly grated cheese as pre-shredded cheese has a coating on it that prevents it from melting well, and may cause clumps.
Add the cooked pasta and veggies back into the pot and give everything a good stir to combine. Warm on stove over low heat for a few mins to make sure the pasta is completely coated in the cheese sauce, and everything is warmed through.
Scoop into individual bowls and serve warm as a meal on it's own, serve as a side dish along side a protein or sandwich.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Try these other pasta dishes for an easy weeknight dinner:

Polish Sausage Pasta

Easy Taco Pasta

Homemade Marinara Sauce with Turkey Meatballs

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cupCalories: 409kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 22gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 1935mgPotassium: 395mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 3924IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 419mgIron: 1mg

Keyword kid food, mac n cheese, meal prep, side dish

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