Mac & Cheese Recipe
Traditional mac & cheese with penne pasta
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Cheese Sauce
Topping (optional)
Method
Cooking Pasta
- 1
Boil Water
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat.
- 2
Cook Penne
Add 2 cups of penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- 3
Drain Pasta
Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
Making Cheese Sauce
- 4
Melt Butter
In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
- 5
Add Flour
Once the butter is melted, whisk in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- 6
Add Milk
Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk and continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, about 5 minutes.
- 7
Add Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 0.5 cups of cream cheese until fully melted and combined.
- 8
Season Sauce
Add 1 teaspoon of salt, 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, 0.5 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 0.5 teaspoon of onion powder. Mix until well combined.
Combining & Baking
- 9
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained penne pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
- 10
Prepare Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- 11
Transfer to Dish
Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- 12
Add Topping
If using, mix 0.5 cups of bread crumbs, 0.5 cups of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 teaspoon of paprika in a bowl. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the mac and cheese.
- 13
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.