Deluxe Mac & Cheese With Ham and Peas

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups cooked small shell pasta (or whatever small pasta you have on hand )
• 3 tablespoons butter or 3 tablespoons margarine
• 1/4 cup finely chopped sweet onion
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 3 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika (can use regular )
• 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard (I think regular would work too)
• 1/4 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (add extra if desired )
• 1 1/4 cups chopped cooked ham
• 1 cup peas
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Pre heat oven to 350 degrees,and lightly grease or spray a 1 1/2 quart baking dish.
2. In a medium saucepan ( I used the same one that was used to cook the pasta in,one less pan to wash ),melt margarine over medium heat and add onion.
3. Cook onion until soft, then add flour and cook until flour is lightly browned.
4. Add milk,and all seasonings stir until slightly thick.
5. Reduce heat to low and add velveeta,stirring until cheese is melted.
6. Remove from heat,add cooked pasta,ham and peas.
7. Stir until all ingredients are well coated,if mixture seems to thick add a bit more milk.
8. Pour into prepared baking dish and top with optional cheese,bake for 25 minutes or until bubbly.