When I am looking for a quick and easy lunch for the kids, Mac and cheese is my go-to option. However, when Olivia was little we ditched the neon orange kraft dinner and opted for something a little tastier. Plus, with pasta prepared ahead of time and ready to go in the fridge - it makes it one of the easiest lunches you are going to find.
You are going to need -
- Paprika, a pinch
- 1/2 cup milk
- Couple spoonfulls of butter
- Cornstarch, about a tablespoon
- Garlic
- Cheese (I use whatever I have in the fridge, today was marble and cream)
- Pasta (about 2 cups prepared of your choice)
- Bacon
- Panko Breadcrumbs
In a sauce pan, I heat the butter and garlic together. After it’s simmered for a few minutes, add in the milk. Then, once it has heated I add in the cornstarch (start with a little) add more if you need to thicken it a bit more. Once it’s stirred in, add in the cheese (you can use whatever type of cheese you have on hand - in whatever quality to create the desired cheesiness. Then, toss it with the pasta and top with panko and serve to the kiddos.
There you have it - made over mac and cheese that’s quick and easy. Get these easy ingredients together and prepare the pasta ahead of time, keeping it in the fridge, and it’s easy and ready to go. I serve it with blueberries or carrots, whatever the kiddos preference of veggies or fruits is that moment. Finishing it off with a bit of panko adds a nice crunch with the bacon!
