Veggie Tuna Mac

Celebrate National Cheese Lovers Day with this cheesy Veggie Tuna Mac Recipe.

Makes 6 servings | Serving size: 1/2 cup

Ingredients

• Non-stick cooking spray
• 1 ½  cups whole-wheat macaroni or penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 medium green pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups nonfat milk
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen peas
• 2 (4.5-ounce) cans low-sodium light tuna, packed in water, drained       

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Spray casserole dish with cooking spray.
3. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain. Place cooked macaroni in casserole dish.
4. Heat oil in a medium skillet. Add onion and green pepper. Cook, stirring constantly for 5 minutes.
5. Add flour and continue stirring for 2 minutes.
6. Slowly stir in milk. Bring mixture to a boil.
7. Boil, stirring constantly until mixture thickens. Reduce heat and add cheese, Italian seasoning and pepper. Stir until cheese melts.
8. Combine macaroni, cheese mixture, frozen peas and tuna in casserole dish.
9. Cook for 30 minutes or until center temperature of casserole reaches 165°F.