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Ingredients
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Pasta
Cheese Sauce
Topping (optional)
Method
Cooking Pasta
- 1
Boil Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add 8 cups of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Making Cheese Sauce
- 2
- 3
Add Milk
Slowly pour in 4 cups of milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue to cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
- 4
Incorporate Cheeses
Reduce heat to low and add 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 0.5 cup of softened cream cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- 5
Season the Sauce
Stir in 1 tsp of salt, 0.5 tsp of black pepper, and 0.5 tsp of paprika. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
Combining Ingredients
- 6
Mix Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Optional Topping
- 7
Prepare Topping
If using, mix 1 cup of bread crumbs with 0.5 cup of grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl.
- 8
Add Topping
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
Baking
- 9
Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
