Beanaroni and Cheese Recipe

• Level: Easy
• Yield: 6 servings
• Nutritional Analysis Per Serving
  Serving Size: 1 of 18 servings
  Calories: 301
  Total Fat: 16 g
  Saturated Fat: 8 g
  Carbohydrates: 27 g
  Dietary Fiber: 3 g
  Sugar: 3 g
  Protein: 13 g
  Cholesterol: 37 mg
  Sodium: 331 mg

• Total: 30 min
• Active: 30 min

Transform your stovetop mac and cheese into a protein-packed delight by swapping half the pasta for creamy tinned white beans. Zesty fresh chorizo and fiery pepper jack cheese bring bold, peppery kicks, while crisp green onions deliver a bright, refreshing finish that'll have everyone craving seconds!

Ingredients

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 8 ounces medium pasta shells
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 8 ounces fresh (Mexican-style) chorizo, casings removed
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 8 ounces pepper jack cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Two 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 4 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup panko

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Instructions

1. Fill a large saucepan two-thirds full with water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a generous pinch of salt, then drop in the pasta shells. Cook until al dente, then drain well in a colander.
2. In a deep 12-inch broiler-safe skillet, heat the olive oil until shimmering. Add the chorizo and cook over medium-high heat, crumbling with a wooden spoon, until golden brown and cooked through, about 7 minutes. Stir in the butter until melted. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the surface and cook, stirring constantly, until foamy, about 2 minutes.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flour taste cooks out, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Stir in the shredded pepper jack until fully melted, then mix in the Dijon, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Gently fold in the cooked pasta, beans, and half the scallions. Sprinkle panko evenly over the top.
5. Position an oven rack 6 to 8 inches from the broiler and preheat to high. Broil until panko is golden and crispy, 1 to 2 minutes. Scatter remaining scallions on top and serve hot for maximum cheesy bliss!