Description
A creamy, classic stovetop mac and cheese made with sharp cheddar cheese and a touch of spices, delivering a rich and comforting dish that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces (2 cups) regular or whole-wheat macaroni noodles
- 2 teaspoons salt, for the pasta cooking water
Sauce
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 1 ⅓ packed cups (5 ounces) grated sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
- Tiny pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the macaroni noodles and 2 teaspoons of salt. Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Meanwhile, have all your ingredients measured and ready, combining the dry spices in a small bowl.
- Drain Pasta: Drain the cooked pasta in a colander and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Return the emptied pot to medium heat. Immediately pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, set a timer for 1 minute to cook the cream slightly.
- Make Cheese Sauce: After the minute is up, add the grated sharp cheddar cheese and the prepared dry spices (mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper). Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta back into the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat all the noodles evenly with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Season and Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Taste your mac and cheese and season with additional salt if needed. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Make it gluten free: Substitute your favorite sturdy gluten-free noodles, such as a corn and quinoa blend.
- Change it up: For a more sophisticated flavor, sprinkle bowls with finely grated Parmesan cheese and toasted bread crumbs. You can also add steamed broccoli or other vegetables for added nutrition and texture.
- How to reheat: Best enjoyed fresh, but can be gently reheated in the microwave or on the stove. Avoid overheating to prevent separation of the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
