Easy Skillet Pimiento Mac 'n' Cheese

Cost per serving: $1.13.

Prep: 10 min., Cook: 10 min.

Yield: Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1/2  (16-oz.) package penne pasta
• 2  tablespoons  all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2  cups  1% low-fat milk
• 1  cup  (4 oz.) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1  (4-oz.) jar diced pimiento, drained
• 3/4  teaspoon  salt
• 1/4  teaspoon  pepper
• Pinch of paprika

Preparation

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions.

2. Whisk together flour and 1/4 cup milk. Add flour mixture to remaining milk, whisking until smooth.

3. Bring milk mixture to a boil in a large skillet over medium heat; reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, whisking constantly, 3 to 5 minutes or until smooth. Stir in cheese and next 4 ingredients until smooth. Stir in pasta, and cook 1 minute or until thoroughly heated. Serve immediately.

Easy Skillet Green Chile Mac 'n' Cheese: Substitute 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Monterey Jack cheese for Cheddar cheese and 1 (4-oz.) can chopped green chiles, undrained, for diced pimiento. Proceed with recipe as directed.

Per serving: Calories 251; Fat 7.3g (sat 4.6g, mono 0.2g, poly 0.1g); Protein 11.6g; Carb 34.1g; Fiber 1.5g; Chol 22mg; Iron 1.7mg; Sodium 491mg; Calc 229mg

Easy Skillet Whole Grain Mac 'n' Cheese: Substitute 1/2 (13.5-oz.) package whole grain penne pasta for regular. Proceed with recipe as directed.

Per serving: Calories 215; Fat 7.9g (sat 4.4g, mono 0.2g, poly 0.9g); Protein 11.1g; Carb 29.8g; Fiber 3.8g; Chol 22.4mg; Iron 1.5mg; Sodium 444mg; Calc 222mg

Nutritional Information

Calories:

250 (0.0% from fat)

Fat:

7.3g (sat 4.6g,mono 0.2g,poly 0.1g)

Protein:

12.3g

Carbohydrate:

34.7g

Fiber:

1.6g

Cholesterol:

22mg

Iron:

1.7mg

Sodium:

446mg

Calcium:

217mg