Creamy Jalapeño Mac with Roasted Zucchini
- Serves
- 4 servings
- Prep
- 8 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Cost
- $11.50
- Nutrition
- 420 cal · 16g protein
- quick
- meatless
🍳 2 pans + 1 bowl · Picky-eater safe bet: plain noodles
Creamy Jalapeño Mac with Roasted Zucchini is a weeknight dinner that serves 4 and is on the table in about 28 minutes, for around $12 in groceries. You'll need 2 pans + 1 bowl, and the 10 ingredients below are everyday supermarket items. Cooking for a picky eater? Plain noodles works on its own for the one who won't try the rest. Add it to your week and the whole grocery list lands in your Instacart cart in one tap.
Goes with: Warm pita and hummus (5 min)
Contains: Dairy · Gluten— based on the ingredients; brands vary, so check labels.
Cookware you'll need
Set these out before you start — it saves hunting through drawers mid-recipe.
- Rimmed half-sheet panDon't have one? Amazon →
- 12-inch locking tongsDon't have one? Amazon →
- Balloon whiskDon't have one? Amazon →
- ColanderDon't have one? Amazon →
- Box graterDon't have one? Amazon →
- 8-inch chef's knifeDon't have one? Amazon →
Our kitchen essentials list · As an Amazon Associate, DinnerDrop earns from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 1¼ lb zucchini
- 2 count jalapeños
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 count avocado
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Steps
- Cut zucchini into half-moons, toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt and pepper on a sheet pan, roast at 425°F for 15 minutes until golden; meanwhile, boil pasta according to package directions, drain and set aside.
- Mince jalapeños and set aside half for garnish; melt butter in the pot over medium heat, add minced jalapeños and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in milk and bring to a simmer, add cheese in batches stirring until melted and smooth, stir in cooked pasta and roasted zucchini, season with salt and pepper.
- Slice avocado and top each bowl with a few slices and reserved minced jalapeños before serving.
- Picky eaters can have plain macaroni with a little melted cheese and butter, with the zucchini on the side.
- Make ahead: roast the zucchini and shred the cheese up to a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge; slice the avocado just before serving.
On the side: Warm pita and hummus (5 min)
1 package pita bread, 1 container hummus
- Warm the pitas in a dry skillet or the oven for 1 to 2 minutes, cut into wedges and serve with the hummus.
Nutrition per serving
- Protein
- 16 g
- Carbohydrates
- 54 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
- Sugar
- 2 g
- Fat
- 14 g
- Saturated fat
- 9 g
- Sodium
- 480 mg
Estimated from the ingredients and amounts in this recipe; brands and portions vary. Not medical or dietary advice.
Photo: DinnerDrop