Description
Experience the delights of The Creamiest White Cheddar Mac and Cheese, featuring rich flavors from shredded white cheddar and a silky sauce. This quick dish is ideal for family dinners or as comfort food, mixing tender pasta shells with an easy cheese sauce that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb. small or medium pasta shells
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups 2% milk
- 3 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic, or garlic powder
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the uncooked shells and kosher salt, stirring gently.
- Cook the pasta until al dente, following the package instructions.
- Strain the noodles and set aside.
- In another pot, melt the butter over medium/high heat to prepare the roux.
- Whisk in the flour until the mixture forms a crumble.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously. Keep whisking until the roux thickens, about 4-6 minutes.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and add cheddar cheese, whisking until melted.
- Stir in granulated garlic, salt, and pepper into the cheese sauce.
- Mix the cooked pasta shells with the cheese sauce until fully coated. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a smoother sauce, make sure to keep whisking as you add the milk.
Feel free to add cooked vegetables or proteins for added nutrition.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg