Ingredients for Easy Creamy Mac And Cheese
- Rotini Pasta
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
- All Purpose Flour
- 2% Low Fat Milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Ground Red Pepper
- Garlic Powder
- 2% Cheddar Cheese
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How to Make Easy Creamy Mac And Cheese
- Cook 1 pound of elbow macaroni according to package directions.
- While pasta cooks, melt 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Gradually whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour until smooth.
- Cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute, creating a roux.
- Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Cook, whisking constantly, for 8-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Remove from heat and gradually stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the hot cooked pasta until well coated.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy!
- **Optional Add-ins (choose one or combine!):**
- **Southwest Chicken:** Stir in 2 cups cooked chicken, 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (drained).
- **Spinach-Bacon:** Stir in 1/2 cup cooked bacon (chopped) and 6 ounces fresh baby spinach.
- **Broccoli-Ham:** Stir in 2 cups cooked ham (chopped) and 1 (12 ounce) package frozen broccoli florets (cooked according to package directions).
- **Chicken-Asparagus:** Stir in 2 cups cooked chicken (chopped) and 9 ounces frozen asparagus cuts (cooked according to package directions).
- **Pea-Prosciutto:** Cook 1/2 cup thinly sliced prosciutto until crisp. Stir into the cheese sauce along with 1 (12 ounce) package frozen sweet peas (cooked according to package directions).
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
37 g
Sugar
33g
Fat
61g
Carbs
8g
