Straightforward Pasta with Cheese Sauce
630kcal
34gram
27gram
55gram
10mpreparing time
15mcooking time
0madditional time
25mtotal time
Making homemade macaroni and cheese on the stovetop is a quick and easy alternative to boxed mac and cheese. This recipe uses basic ingredients and can be prepared in just 25 minutes. Once you make it a few times, you'll likely have it memorized.
To make the macaroni and cheese, first boil the elbow macaroni until al dente, about 8 minutes. While the pasta cooks, prepare a roux by melting butter in a saucepan, then stirring in flour, salt, and pepper. Gradually pour in milk and stir until the mixture is smooth and bubbling.
Next, slowly stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it's melted and the sauce is creamy. Drain the cooked macaroni and stir it into the cheese sauce.
If desired, you can bake the mac and cheese for a bubbly, golden-brown topping. Simply top it with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, or crushed crackers, then bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 6 months. Reheat it by stirring in a splash of milk or cream and warming it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
This basic recipe can be customized with various add-ins like spices, different cheeses, diced ham, peas, or chicken and broccoli.
elbow macaroni
1 oz
butter
0.3 cup
all-purpose flour
0.3 cup
salt
0.5 tsp
ground black pepper to taste
pc
milk
2 cup
shredded Cheddar cheese
2 cup
Steps
1.Step 1
Collect the necessary items.
2.Step 2
Bring a large pot of water with a light amount of salt to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until it is cooked through but still firm, which takes approximately 8 minutes.
3.Step 3
Simultaneously, heat butter in a saucepan on medium temperature.
4.Step 4
Combine flour, salt, and pepper, and mix until the mixture becomes smooth, which should take approximately 5 minutes.
5.Step 5
Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly. Keep cooking and stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and starts to bubble, which should take around 5 minutes, being careful not to let the milk scorch.
6.Step 6
Add cheddar cheese and mix until it has fully melted, which should take approximately 2 to 4 minutes.
7.Step 7
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, gently mixing until the macaroni is evenly coated.
8.Step 8
Enjoy the dish while it's hot.