Mac & Cheese Recipe
Shells mixed in creamy house-made cheese sauce.
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Cheese Sauce
Method
Cooking the Pasta
- 1
Boil the Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the shell pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 2
Drain the Pasta
Once cooked, drain the shell pasta in a colander and set aside. Do not rinse, as you want the starch to help the sauce stick.
Making the Cheese Sauce
- 3
- 4
- 5
Add Milk
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- 6
Incorporate Cheese
Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese until fully melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk to reach your desired consistency.
- 7
Season the Sauce
Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir well to combine, tasting to adjust seasoning as necessary.
Combining
- 8
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained shell pasta to the cheese sauce. Mix gently until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the cheese sauce.
- 9
Serve
Serve the mac & cheese immediately while hot. Optionally, you can garnish with extra shredded cheese or breadcrumbs for added texture.