Description
Experience the rich flavors of The Creamiest White Cheddar Mac and Cheese. This dish features pasta shells enveloped in a luscious white cheddar sauce, making it the perfect comfort food for a quick dinner or family gathering.
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 and add the pasta shells along with kosher salt, stirring gently.
- Cook the pasta until al dente as per package directions, then strain and set aside.
- In the meantime, prepare a roux by melting the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk until it forms a crumble mixture.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly, and keep whisking over medium-high heat until thickened, approximately 4-6 minutes.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add granulated garlic, salt, and pepper to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine evenly.
- Finally, incorporate the cooked pasta shells into the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat thoroughly. Serve hot.
Notes
For extra creaminess, consider adding more cheese to the sauce.
This mac and cheese can be baked in the oven for a crispy top—just sprinkle extra cheese on top and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
Feel free to add cooked veggies or proteins to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 55mg