Description
Creamy white cheddar mac and cheese blends sharp cheese with comforting pasta for a luxurious meal. Carefully selected ingredients and precise techniques guarantee a rich, indulgent dish you’ll savor to the last bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (473 ml) medium pasta shells (measured uncooked)
- 3 cups (340 g) shredded white cheddar cheese
- 2 cups (473 ml) whole milk
Dairy and Seasoning:
- 4 tablespoons (57 g) salted butter
- 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Garnish:
- Fresh black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Boil pasta shells in a pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Return the empty pot to the stove, reducing heat to low. Melt butter completely, ensuring it doesn’t brown.
- Sprinkle flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into melted butter. Whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and forms a roux without developing lumps.
- Gradually increase heat to medium, slowly incorporating milk while continuously whisking to prevent scorching.
- Maintain medium heat, stirring constantly for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble, coating the back of a spoon.
- Remove pot from heat, immediately adding white cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese melts completely, creating a creamy, smooth sauce.
- Fold drained pasta shells into the cheese sauce, ensuring every shell is evenly coated and heated through.
- Transfer to serving dishes, garnishing with freshly cracked black pepper if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Perfectly cook pasta al dente for a slightly firm texture that prevents mushiness when mixed with the creamy sauce.
- Use freshly grated white cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded to ensure smoother melting and better flavor intensity.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta shells.
- Add extra depth by incorporating roasted garlic or caramelized onions into the cheese sauce for a more complex flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg