Macaroni and Cheese Perfection

I think I may have stumbled onto something great here. Much better than the blue box and easy to make.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 6
• Yields: 1 dish

Ingredients

• 1  lb shell pasta
• 1  cup  frozen peas
• 1  cup ham, diced
• 1⁄4 cup butter
• 1⁄4 cup flour
• 4  cups milk
• 1  lb sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
• 1  cup panko breadcrumbs

Directions

1. Bring pasta water to a boil. Cook the shells al dente and drain. Place them in a large baking dish and set aside.
2. Add the peas and ham to the pasta shells.
3. In a sauce pan, melt the butter over low heat so that it doesn't burn.
4. Add flour and stir with a wisk until the mixture thickens.
5. Slowly add the milk so it doesn't cool off the butter and keep stirring.
6. Once the milk is added, continue to stir with the wisk.
7. When the milk starts to simmer slightly, add 1/2 of the cheese, a little at a time, allowing it to melt completely before adding more.
8. When the sauce has the cheese melted in it, add it to the shells; stir to mix.
9. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the shells.
10. Sprinkle with the Panko bread crumbs.
11. Place in a 400 degree Fahrenheit oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
12. Serve hot.