Freshly Homecooked is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
Creamy cheesy pasta is the ultimate comfort food. There are many ways that you can make macaroni and cheese, from baked mac and cheese to different types of cheeses. But there is nothing better than a bowl of a creamy and cheesy mac and cheese. This a classic stove-top cheese sauce made with shredded cheddar cheese. Just simple ingredients, no fancy cheeses or ingredients. It makes a great side dish to any dinner, or as a quick kid friendly lunch or dinner.
This pasta takes only 20 minutes to make, and the sauce can be cooked in the same saucepan as the pasta cooked in, so you only need to use one pan.The cheese sauce is started by making a roux, made by melting butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook it for a minute for it to brown. Whisk in the milk, shredded cheese, salt and pepper. Continue to cook the sauce over medium heat, while whisking constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce has thickened. Mix the sauce with cooked pasta, I chose elbow shaped pasta to keep the traditional macaroni and cheese shape. Although any small shaped pasta will work for this.
Creamy Stove-Top Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 16 oz. elbow pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and place into a large bowl. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Add flour and cook for a minute to brown. Add milk, cheese, salt and pepper. Continue to cook over medium heat, while whisking constantly until thickened. Mix sauce with pasta.