Cheesy Shells & Peas

This easy pasta dish was received with so much joy this evening. Once my kid discovered some hidden peas inside the pasta shells he was hooked… hunting down peas in every shell. He was especially excited when a shell would house more than one pea. After devouring three helpings, he asked if there would be leftovers for breakfast.

Prep Time: 5 mins  Cooking Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:
1/2 pound medium shell pasta
1 1/2 cup frozen peas
1 cup shredded part skim mozzarella
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup lowfat milk
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
salt and pepper

Place frozen peas in a large colander in the sink. In a medium pot bring water to a boil and cook shells for 7 minutes. Meanwhile, over medium-low heat melt butter in a small saucepan. Whisk in flour until thick. Add milk and continue to whisk. Slowly add the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses and keep up the whisking until thick and creamy. Turn heat down very low. Drain pasta over the top of the frozen peas. (This will cook the peas exactly right.) Shake off excess water and return shells to pot. Pour in the cheese mixture and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serves 4.

posted by Rebecca & Gus // Mar 15th, 2010 // Dinner, Picky Busters, Veggie Friendly
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