Pasta and Vegetables

• 1 ½ cups uncooked elbow macaroni shells
• 1 cup carrots, diced small (optional)
• 1 cup peas (optional, frozen or fresh)

Base and Flavorings

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
• 1 small yellow onion, diced or grated
• 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 quart chicken broth or stock
• 1 ½ cups half and half

Cheese and Protein

• 1 lb whole milk white American cheese, shredded or diced
• 1 cup ham, diced

Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Black pepper to taste (optional)