Easy Macaroni and Peas Recipe: The Ultimate Cheesy Comfort Food for Families
Discover the ultimate easy macaroni and peas recipe! This homemade, cheesy goodness is a true family favorite, perfect for sneaking in some healthy veggies without anyone noticing. Get ready to enjoy a creamy, satisfying dish that everyone, especially your kids, will adore.
Growing up, few dishes brought as much joy and comfort as a warm, bubbling plate of Macaroni and Cheese. It wasn’t just food; it was a hug on a spoon, a staple at family gatherings, and the ultimate reward after a long day. This beloved classic holds a special place in the hearts of many, and I’m certainly no exception. The creamy, rich, and utterly satisfying blend of pasta and melted cheese is a culinary masterpiece that transcends age, appealing to toddlers, teenagers, and adults alike.
Indeed, I’ve yet to encounter a single person, young or old, who can resist the undeniable charm of this carb-laden, cheesy delight. Its universal appeal makes it a go-to for quick weeknight dinners, comforting weekend meals, and even festive holiday spreads. There’s something inherently nostalgic about macaroni and cheese, a taste that transports you back to simpler times and happy memories.
This Easy Macaroni and Peas recipe is my special take on this timeless comfort food. It elevates the classic by incorporating a vibrant, often overlooked ingredient: peas. The result is a dish that’s not only packed with rich, homemade cheesy goodness but also subtly infused with the natural sweetness and texture of peas. It’s an ingenious way to sneak in some wholesome vegetables, making it a more balanced and nutritious meal without compromising on flavor or that irresistible comfort factor.
If your children are fans of traditional mac and cheese, prepare for this recipe to become an instant hit in your household. The addition of peas is usually met with enthusiasm, or at the very least, unnoticed acceptance, especially when enveloped in a luxurious, creamy cheese sauce. It’s a win-win for parents and kids alike.
Why Add Peas to Your Mac and Cheese?
My love for macaroni and peas runs so deep that I genuinely won’t prepare mac and cheese—whether from a box or from scratch—unless I have a bag of frozen peas readily available in my freezer. This might sound like a strict rule, but it stems from a profound appreciation for what peas bring to the dish. They are not merely an afterthought; they are an integral part of the experience.
- Nutritional Boost: Peas are packed with vitamins (A, C, K), fiber, and protein. Adding them instantly makes your mac and cheese a more wholesome meal, providing essential nutrients that might otherwise be missing.
- Textural Contrast: The slight pop and firm-tender texture of peas offer a delightful contrast to the soft, creamy macaroni. It prevents the dish from being uniformly mushy, adding an interesting dynamic to each bite.
- Natural Sweetness: Peas lend a subtle, earthy sweetness that beautifully complements the savory and sharp notes of the cheese. This balance of flavors makes the dish more complex and enjoyable.
- Color and Appeal: The vibrant green of the peas adds a much-needed splash of color to an otherwise monochromatic dish, making it visually more appealing, especially to picky eaters.
Choosing the Best Peas for Your Recipe
When it comes to selecting peas for this recipe, I unequivocally recommend frozen peas. There’s a significant difference in quality and texture compared to their canned counterparts. Frozen peas are picked at their peak freshness and flash-frozen, locking in their natural flavor, sweetness, and that desirable firm-tender texture. They maintain their vibrant green color and structural integrity beautifully once cooked.
Canned peas, on the other hand, are often cooked twice—once during the canning process and again when you prepare your dish. This double-cooking renders them soft, mushy, and often bland, losing their bright color and distinct pea flavor. Just trust me on this one: for a truly exceptional macaroni and peas experience, always opt for frozen. Nobody enjoys mushy peas, and your taste buds (and your kids!) will thank you.
Crafting the Perfect Homemade Cheese Sauce
The heart of any great mac and cheese is its sauce, and this homemade version is exceptionally creamy and flavorful. Moving beyond boxed mixes allows you to control the ingredients, leading to a richer, more authentic taste. The secret lies in a well-made roux and the careful selection and melting of cheeses.
- The Roux: This is the foundation. Melting butter and whisking in flour creates a paste that will thicken your sauce. Cooking the roux for about a minute helps eliminate any raw flour taste.
- Gradual Liquid Addition: Adding heavy cream and milk gradually, while continuously whisking, is crucial for a smooth sauce. This prevents lumps and ensures an even consistency as the mixture thickens.
- Cheese Selection: Using a blend of cheeses, like sharp cheddar for tang and mozzarella for stretch and mildness, creates a complex flavor profile. Always shred your own cheese from a block; pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty or less creamy.
- Melting Technique: Add the cheese off the heat or over very low heat, stirring until fully melted and smooth. High heat can cause cheese to separate or become oily.
A Generous Dish for Happy Bellies
This recipe is designed to produce a truly generous, casserole-sized dish. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry family, entertaining guests, or ensuring you have delightful leftovers for days to come. The beauty of macaroni and peas is that it often tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen.
Making this dish for your loved ones (or simply for yourself!) this week is an excellent idea. It’s a comforting, easy, and satisfying meal that requires minimal effort for maximum deliciousness. You absolutely deserve this cheesy, pea-filled treat!
Tips for Making Your Macaroni and Peas Even Better
- Al Dente Pasta: Cook your macaroni just until it’s al dente (slightly firm to the bite). It will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot cheese sauce and during baking, ensuring it doesn’t turn mushy.
- Freshly Grated Cheese: As mentioned, grating cheese yourself yields a significantly smoother and creamier sauce. The pre-shredded stuff can make your sauce slightly grainy.
- Don’t Overcook Peas: Add the frozen peas directly to the hot pasta and sauce. The residual heat will warm them through perfectly without overcooking, preserving their texture and vibrant color.
- Season to Taste: Taste your cheese sauce before adding the pasta and peas. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. A pinch of nutmeg can also enhance the cheese flavor beautifully.
- Baking for the Perfect Finish: The final bake in the casserole dish brings everything together, creating a golden, bubbly top and a wonderfully uniform temperature throughout. If you prefer a crispy topping, consider adding a sprinkle of breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter before baking.
Variations and Customizations
While this classic macaroni and peas recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to get creative with these delicious variations:
- Cheese Blends: Experiment with different cheeses! Gruyere, Gouda, Fontina, or even a touch of smoked cheddar can add unique depths of flavor.
- Protein Boost: Stir in cooked, diced ham, crispy bacon bits, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even ground beef for a heartier meal.
- Extra Veggies: Finely diced carrots, corn, or blanched broccoli florets can be added along with the peas for an even more vegetable-packed dish.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce in the cheese sauce can add a delightful subtle heat.
- Crunchy Topping: For an extra layer of texture, mix 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle over the top before baking.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This recipe makes a substantial amount, making it ideal for meal prepping or enjoying throughout the week. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, you can use the microwave for individual servings, adding a splash of milk to help restore creaminess. For larger portions, reheat in an oven-safe dish at 300°F (150°C), covered with foil, until warmed through. Again, a little extra milk can help revive the sauce’s texture.
Love this recipe? You might also like these: Creamy Sharp Cheddar Mac and Cheese, Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili Mac.
Pin this Easy Macaroni and Peas recipe:
Easy Macaroni and Peas
Save RecipeSaved!
Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 2/3 cup organic heavy whipping cream
- 2/3 cup 2% milk
- 4 cups shredded cheese, I used half cheddar and half mozzarella
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 10 oz frozen peas
Instructions
-
Cook noodles according to al dente package instructions. Drain well.
-
In a large, heavy-bottomed pan (a Dutch oven works perfectly), melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
-
Add the whole wheat flour to the melted butter and whisk constantly for one minute to create a roux. This helps cook out the raw flour taste.
-
Gradually pour in the heavy cream and 2% milk, whisking continuously until the mixture begins to thicken and is smooth, with no lumps.
-
Remove the pan from the heat, then add the shredded cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is wonderfully thick and creamy. (The sauce will be VERY thick and cheesy.)
-
Add the cooked macaroni noodles and frozen peas to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until everything is thoroughly combined and the peas are warmed through.
-
Transfer the mixture into a 13×9 inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
-
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-20 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden, bubbly around the edges, and starting to crisp. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!