Bacon and Pea Macaroni & Cheese Recipe

Bacon and Pea Macaroni & Cheese

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food with a touch of elegance, this Bacon and Pea Macaroni & Cheese recipe is just what you need. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with crispy bacon and sweet peas, it’s a dish that will satisfy your cravings and delight your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for added flavor)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Cooking the Macaroni:

1. Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set it aside.

Preparing the Bacon and Peas:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes crispy. Remove it from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain excess grease.
2. In the same skillet, add the thawed peas and cook for a few minutes until they are heated through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Cheese Sauce:

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns slightly golden.
2. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using). Adjust the seasonings to your taste.

Combining Everything:

1. Add the cooked macaroni, crispy bacon, and heated peas to the cheese sauce. Stir everything together until the macaroni is well coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
2. Allow the mixture to heat through for a couple of minutes, ensuring all the flavors meld together.

Serving:

1. Once the Bacon and Pea Macaroni & Cheese is ready, serve it hot. You can garnish it with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
2. Enjoy this indulgent and comforting dish as a main course or a side, and savor the combination of cheesy goodness, smoky bacon, and sweet peas.

This Bacon and Pea Macaroni & Cheese recipe is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for family dinners or special occasions. It’s a classic comfort food with a delightful twist that will leave everyone craving for more.

Source: damndelicious.net

Yield: 6

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

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If you’re looking for a dish that's rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare, this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is the perfect choice. The combination of tender chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy sauce makes for an unforgettable meal. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) jar oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 4 teaspoons Italian seasoning (see note)
• 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
• red pepper flakes
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 medium shallot, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 pound short cut pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Drain 3 tablespoons of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar into a large pot or skillet with sides. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes and set aside.
2. Set the pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning, the paprika, and a pinch each of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden brown, 5 minutes. Add 1/4 cup parmesan, cook another minute, then remove the chicken from the pot.
3. To the same pot, add the butter, shallot, garlic, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add 3 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil, add the pasta, and cook, stirring often, until the pasta is al dente, 8 minutes. Stir in the cream, mustard, parmesan, spinach, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Slide the chicken and any juices left on the plate.
4. Serve the pasta topped with lemon juice and fresh parmesan.