As a busy mom, I’m always looking for short cuts and easy recipes for weeknight meals.  This toaster oven mac and cheese recipe is one of my favorites.  It pairs well with grilled steak or pork chops for an easy summer meal.  The shallow dishes produce a golden crust with a creamy custardy texture.

Ingredients

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon parsley
• Cooking spray
• 1/2 lb penne pasta
• 2 cups shredded Mexican-style 4 cheese blend (8 oz)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup half and half or whole milk
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 diced shallot
• Ramekins – I have a combination of Le Creuset Cocottes and Martha Stewart Collection ramekins

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat toaster oven to 400 degrees.
2. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions and drain.  Tip:  I use Ronzoni Quick Cook penne pasta.  It cooks in 3-5 minutes which saves you time.
3. To prevent the pasta from sticking and to make clean up easy, spray the inside of the ramekins with cooking spray.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese, egg, half-and-half, garlic, shallot, salt, pepper and parsley. Add pasta, and stir to combine.  See image above for reference.
5. Divide pasta among ramekins and top with remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese.  This recipe makes between 4-5 servings depending on the size of the ramekins.  Place ramekins on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil.  See image above for reference.
6. Bake until mac and cheese is golden and bubbling, about 25-30 minutes. Let stand before serving.

This recipe was inspired by Southern Mac and Cheese, Everyday Food, March 2009.

Cooking a delicious, healthy meal for your family doesn’t have to be time consuming.  Find a handful of recipes that fit your schedule and weeknight meals will be a snap.

Below are a few more sides you should try:

1. Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing
2. Traditional Potato Salad
3. Roasted Potatoes Made From Leftover Potato Salad
4. Puerto Rican Rice and Beans

What is your family’s favorite side?  Share in the comments below.  I’m always looking for new ideas.

Buen Provecho,

Jackie

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