Homemade Mac'n Cheese for Big Kids!

Every once in a while I really want some mac'n cheese, but I always feel too guilty to buy it in the box from the store.  So, I was really excited when I found (on Pinterest, of course) this recipe and it tasted so good! 

Ingredients

• 8 oz macaroni pasta
• 8 oz American cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup fat-free Greek yogurt (I use 0% Fage)
• Salt
• Pepper
• 1 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1 cup shredded leftover chicken (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook macaroni pasta for 8-10 minutes in salted water, until al dente.
2. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining the pasta.
3. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
4. Add 1/4 cup pasta water, the yogurt, and 1/3 of the grated cheese and stir until the cheese has melted.
5. Stir in remaining cheese, one small handful at a time to prevent clumping.
6. Add additional pasta water as necessary to thin the cheese sauce.
7. Stir in peas and chicken, if using, and serve warm.
8. To reheat, microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in between. If you think it needs it, add a tablespoon or two of skim milk or water. It's usually creamy enough after it's heated thoroughly but it's up to you.

A Couple of Notes:

*I didn't add the peas or chicken.

*Instead of using shredded American Cheese, I used the old fashioned Kraft Singles (I think the last time I ate this cheese was when I was 8 years old haha).  I just shredded the cheese into smaller chunks and slowly added it to the pasta, allowing it to gradually melt in.

*This recipe may not be super healthy but at least it is easy and homemade with real ingredients (not like the box version with a packet of powdered cheese--although it is still yummy ;).

Enjoy!