Macaroni and Cheese Primavera

Submitted by Chef #1365024

"Give a nutritional boost to one of kids’ all-time favorites with this updated macaroni and cheese, made with nutrient-rich canned veggies: canned green beans, mushrooms and tomatoes."

 

• Ready In: 35mins
• Ingredients: 14
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 10 ounces pasta (penne, ziti or elbow macaroni)
• 2 tablespoons soft margarine or 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• 2 teaspoons soft margarine or 2 teaspoons butter, divided
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1⁄8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 cups 1% low-fat milk
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can cut green beans, drained
• 1 (4 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1⁄2 cup dry breadcrumbs

directions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
2. While pasta is cooking, melt 2 tablespoons margarine in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; cook, stirring often, until tender and translucent. Add the flour, salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper, and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Slowly pour in milk, stirring with a whisk to smooth any lumps that form; simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and immediately stir in cheese.
3. Drain the pasta and stir into cheese sauce. Fold in the beans and mushrooms. Transfer the mixture to a shallow 2 1/2 - to 3-quart casserole dish. Spoon the tomatoes around edge of casserole.
4. Heat remaining 2 teaspoons margarine in a small skillet; add the breadcrumbs and cook until lightly toasted. Sprinkle in the center of casserole. Bake for 15 minutes.
5. Servings: 6.

6. Nutritional Information Per Serving:

7. Calories 420; Total fat 28g; Saturated fat 13g; Cholesterol 65mg; Sodium 640mg; Carbohydrate 44g; Fiber 3g; Protein 10g; Vitamin A 10%DV*; Vitamin C 15%DV; Calcium 15%DV; Iron 10%DV.
8. *Daily Value.