Whip up this creamy pasta in the microwave – junior chef Sami did for a fun and quick meal.
Ingredients
- 250g dried elbow pasta
- 100g broccoli, broken into small florets
- 1 carrot, peeled, cut into matchsticks
- 3 baby yellow squash, quartered
- 30g butter, chopped
- 2 tablespoons plain flour
- 2 teaspoons French mustard
- 375ml (1 1/2 cups) reduced-fat milk
- 50g cheddar, coarsely grated
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 2 rindless bacon rashers, excess fat trimmed, cut into thin strips
Method
- Step 1Place the pasta in a 3L (12-cup) capacity microwave-safe bowl. Cover with boiling water. Cook in microwave, stirring occasionally, on High/800watts/100% for 8 minutes. Add broccoli, carrot and squash. Cook for 1 minute. Drain.
- Step 2Heat the butter in a 2L (8-cup) capacity microwave-safe bowl on High/800watts/100% for 30 seconds or until just melted. Add the flour and stir until well combined. Cook for 1 minute or until foaming. Stir in the mustard. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and combined. Cook, stirring every 2 minutes, on High/800watts/100% for 7-8 minutes or until the mixture boils and thickens. Add the cheddar and half the chives. Stir until the cheddar melts. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 3Place the bacon in an oven bag. Twist the opening to seal. Cook, shaking every minute, on High/800watts/100% for 2 minutes or until bacon is crisp and golden.
- Step 4Stir pasta and vegetables into sauce. Divide among serving bowls. Top with bacon and remaining chives.
Nutrition
2067 kj
Energy
16g
Fat Total
9g
Saturated Fat
5g
Fibre
24g
Protein
59mg
Cholesterol
601.5mg
Sodium
10g
Carbs (sugar)
60g
Carbs (total)
Notes
Sami’s tips: Sami, 8, has been helping in the kitchen since she started chopping mushrooms at three years old. Her favourite food to eat and cook is pasta. Here are some tips from Sami and her mum Helen: Use any vegies you have at home – the more the better! Cut them into small pieces so they cook evenly. Be careful when microwaving – the steam is very hot and can burn you. If you don’t have an oven bag, place the bacon between 2 sheets of microwave-safe paper towel. This stops spitting and absorbs excess fat.
- Author: Kerrie Ray
- Image credit: Mark O'Meara
- Publication: Australian Good Taste