Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you ready to dive headfirst into a bowl of creamy, cheesy, bacon-y goodness? I thought so! Today, we're not just making any mac and cheese; we're crafting a masterpiece of flavour and simplicity, featuring the dynamic duo: bacon and peas!
But wait, there's a twist! Forget the usual separate cheese sauce hassle. We're making this all in one pan, baby! That's right, we're cooking the pasta, and then right there, in the same pot, we're building a cheesy symphony of deliciousness.
The secret ingredient? Pasta water! Yes, that starchy liquid gold we usually throw away. We're using it, along with some creamy Greek yogurt, to create a sauce that's not just delicious but also a bit lighter than the traditional butter-flour-milk combo. It's all about balance, my friends! You'll need to be quick, the pasta and water need to be nice and hot to help the cheese melt perfectly.
No baking is required here! Everything's done right on your stovetop, making it the perfect weeknight wonder for those busy days where you need something comforting and nutritious pronto.
Get Ready to get Cooking:
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces penne pasta (or your fave shape)
- 8 ounces frozen peas (because convenience is key!)
- 4 slices of thick-cut bacon, chopped into little flavor bombs
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (for that creamy tang)
- A dash of hot sauce (because we like a little zing!)
- 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (the classic, can't go wrong)
- 4 ounces shredded fontina cheese (for that extra melty goodness)
- Salt and pepper to taste (seasoning is everything!)
Instructions:
- Bacon Time: Get your pan hot and sizzle those bacon bits until they're crispy perfection. Remove them and set aside for later. The aroma alone will have your family hovering.
- Pasta Prep: Cook the pasta in salted water, and toss in the frozen peas during the last minute. Remember to keep a cup of the hot pasta water. Once drained, return pasta and peas back to the pan.
- Sauce Magic: Pour a ¼ cup of the hot pasta water into the pan along with the pasta and peas. Add the Greek yogurt, a dash of hot sauce, and about a third of the cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Cheesy Finale: Little by little, add the rest of the cheese, stirring constantly to avoid any clumping. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bacon Bliss: Finally, stir in the crispy bacon. Time to serve.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this creamy masterpiece immediately! It's perfect on its own or as a side for a grilled chicken or a vibrant salad. For an extra special touch, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top, or a few extra crispy bacon pieces because why not?
This bacon and pea mac and cheese recipe is sure to become a family favourite, so get ready to make it time and time again! And, hey, If you're looking for more great recipes and meal planning ideas, be sure to check out the Menuistia app. It's your go-to for custom recipe creation and healthy meal planning! Happy cooking, folks!