Description
This Creamiest White Cheddar Mac and Cheese is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for a quick dinner or comforting meal. With just a few simple ingredients, including rich white cheddar and tender pasta shells, this dish satisfies every craving!
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, then stir.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Strain the noodles and set aside.
- In another large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium/high heat to prepare a roux.
- Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk to form a crumble.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens (about 4-6 minutes).
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted.
- Mix in the granulated garlic, additional salt, and pepper.
- Combine the cooked pasta shells with the cheese sauce, mixing until the noodles are fully coated.
Notes
For extra creaminess, use full-fat milk or combine with half-and-half.
Feel free to add cooked vegetables such as broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.
This dish can be baked for a crispy topping; just sprinkle breadcrumbs and bake at 350°F until golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 60mg