Roasted Veggie Mac and Cheese

Servings: 2 | Serving size: 2 ounces pasta with veggies

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

This recipe can easily be multiplied and makes good leftovers. Reheat gently after adding 1- Tbsp. of 2 % milk per serving.

Ingredients

• 2 tsp. olive oil
• 1 small onion (cut into 1 inch square slices)
• 1/2 large green bell pepper (cut into 1 inch square slices)
• 8 ounces crimini mushrooms (cut into 1/2 inch quarters)
• 4 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. dried basil
• 4 quarts water
• 4 ounces whole wheat or gluten-free penne pasta
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup 2% milk (1% milk will work)
• 4 ounces reduced-fat provolone (grated)
• fresh ground black pepper to taste

Place a medium skillet in the oven and preheat to 325°F.

When the oven is hot, place the olive oil and the onions in the pan. Return the pan to the oven and roast for 5 minutes.

Remove and toss the onions. Add the peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, oregano and basil to the pan and return the pan to the oven. Roast for another 15 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally. Remove and set aside until the pasta is done cooking.

While the veggies are cooking, place the water in a medium stock-pot over high heat and bring to a boil.

Add the pasta and cook until done: about 15 minutes. Do not overcook - the pasta should be cooked al dente. Drain the pasta well and return to the empty stock-pot. Set aside until the vegetables are finished roasting.

When the vegetables are done roasting and the pasta is done cooking, add the roasted vegetables to the stock-pot with the drained pasta. Fold together.

While the pasta is cooking, combine the eggs and milk in a medium sauce pan. Whisk until smooth. Add the cheese and stir to combine.

Place the stock-pot containing the vegetables and pasta over medium heat and add the cheese and egg mixture. Stir well until the cheese is completely melted and creamy. Don't let the mixture boil, but when the sauce is very thick remove from the heat.

Add fresh ground black pepper to taste, stir, and serve immediately.