20-Minute Mac and Cheese

Health score
12%
20-Minute Mac and Cheese
20 min.
8
479kcal

Suggestions


Are you ready to indulge in a creamy, cheesy delight that can be whipped up in just 20 minutes? This 20-Minute Mac and Cheese is the perfect solution for those busy days when you crave comfort food but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, this dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Imagine a warm bowl of small pasta shells enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce, enhanced by the subtle crunch of fresh green onions and the vibrant sweetness of red bell peppers. This recipe not only delivers on taste but also offers a delightful balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, making it a well-rounded meal option for lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish at your next gathering.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this quick and easy mac and cheese recipe will have you feeling like a culinary pro. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal equipment, you can create a dish that’s both comforting and impressive. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into the world of cheesy goodness that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

  • tablespoons butter 
  • 0.3 cup flour all-purpose
  • 0.3 cup spring onion sliced
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground mustard 
  • cups half and half 
  • 14 oz shells 
  • 0.3 teaspoon pepper 
  • 0.3 cup bell pepper red chopped
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt 
  • 12 oz cheddar cheese shredded

Equipment

  • sauce pan
  • whisk

Directions

  1. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.
  2. Meanwhile, in 3-quart nonstick saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in flour, salt, mustard and pepper. Cook over low heat 20 seconds, stirring constantly, until butter is absorbed.
  3. Remove from heat; gradually beat in half-and-half with wire whisk.
  4. Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Stir in cheese until melted.
  5. Stir pasta, onions and bell pepper into sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, until hot.

Nutrition Facts

Calories479kcal
Protein15.76%
Fat47.21%
Carbs37.03%

Properties

Glycemic Index
30
Glycemic Load
17.44
Inflammation Score
-7
Nutrition Score
14.418261061544%

Flavonoids

Luteolin
0.03mg
Kaempferol
0.04mg
Quercetin
0.34mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:479.2kcal
23.96%
Fat:25.09g
38.6%
Saturated Fat:13.15g
82.21%
Carbohydrates:44.28g
14.76%
Net Carbohydrates:42.38g
15.41%
Sugar:4.25g
4.72%
Cholesterol:63.7mg
21.23%
Sodium:497.13mg
21.61%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:18.85g
37.7%
Selenium:46.94µg
67.05%
Calcium:380.71mg
38.07%
Phosphorus:354.53mg
35.45%
Manganese:0.51mg
25.4%
Vitamin B2:0.36mg
21.3%
Vitamin A:942.78IU
18.86%
Zinc:2.56mg
17.04%
Magnesium:46.55mg
11.64%
Vitamin B12:0.57µg
9.49%
Copper:0.17mg
8.68%
Vitamin C:7.11mg
8.62%
Vitamin K:8.67µg
8.26%
Folate:31.21µg
7.8%
Fiber:1.9g
7.61%
Vitamin B1:0.11mg
7.43%
Vitamin B6:0.15mg
7.41%
Potassium:249.12mg
7.12%
Vitamin B3:1.23mg
6.16%
Vitamin B5:0.6mg
6.03%
Iron:1.01mg
5.61%
Vitamin E:0.73mg
4.89%
Vitamin D:0.26µg
1.7%