Stovetop Mac and Cheese
User Reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Excellent
Stovetop Mac and Cheese
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Stovetop Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy and every bite more flavorful than the next. Made in one pot in 30 minutes, this classic soul-soothing comfort food rivals any other recipe around!
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Ingredients
- 1 pound dry pasta cavatappi, elbow or shells pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 shallot minced (or ¼ cup minced yellow or sweet onion)
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 4 tablespoons ½ stick butter
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup reserved pasta water see notes
- 16 ounces freshly grated cheddar cheese
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
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Instructions
- Fill a large pot or dutch oven half full of water. Add one tablespoon of salt to the water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the pasta per the package directions for al dente pasta.
- Before draining the pasta, remove 1 cup of the pasta water with a measuring cup and set aside.
- Using the same large pot or dutch oven, add the olive oil and heat on medium heat. Then add the minced shallots and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the shallot is translucent and tender.
- Then add the garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes and stir constantly for one minute.
- Add the butter and stir continuously until it has melted.
- Once butter has melted, add in the flour and stir for one minute until it gets thick and starts to turn slightly brown.
- Slowly add in the milk, stirring continuously until there are no lumps. Use a whisk to help break up the lumps if necessary.
- Then add the pasta water that was removed.
- Cook the sauce for 3-4 minutes or until it has thickened enough to stick to the spoon slightly.
- Remove the pot from the heat and add the freshly shredded cheddar cheese and ground nutmeg. Stir until the cheese has completely melted.
- Then add the cooked pasta and stir to combine well.
Notes
- Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder instead of fresh minced garlic.
- Use ¼ teaspoon dried thyme in place of fresh thyme
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a tablespoon of additional milk.
- For a cheesy crust, place the mac and cheese in a 9x13 baking dish, cover it with an additional 1-1 ½ cups of shredded white cheddar cheese and broil it for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned and crispy. Watch it carefully so it doesn't burn.
- You can also add a ½ cup of plain panko breadcrumbs in with the additional cheese topping for even more crunch
- Use a varieties of cheese in any amounts to equal the 16 ounces. (gruyere, swiss, fontina,,
- Add cooked bacon bits, ham, chicken or ground beef,
- Add fresh or frozen peas, spinach or broccoli florets.
- Use any medium sized pasta you prefer - elbow noodles, large shells, small shells, etc.
- Use butter, coconut oil or other favorite oil for sauting.
- Swap out the thyme for rosemary or sage Adjust the Use low fat or skim milk if preferred
- If you forget to reserve pasta water before draining the pasta, use an additional ¾ cup milk.
- Use freshly shredded cheese off a block over bagged shredded cheese. If melted so much better and has more – plus it has more flavor!
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Serving
1serving
Calories
749kcal
(37%)
Carbohydrates
67g
(22%)
Protein
31g
(62%)
Fat
39g
(60%)
Saturated Fat
21g
(105%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
10g
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
105mg
(35%)
Sodium
593mg
(25%)
Potassium
378mg
(11%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
7g
(14%)
Vitamin A
1188IU
(24%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
658mg
(66%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 749 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 749kcal | 37% |
| Carbohydrates | 67g | 22% |
| Protein | 31g | 62% |
| Fat | 39g | 60% |
| Saturated Fat | 21g | 105% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 105mg | 35% |
| Sodium | 593mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 378mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 1188IU | 24% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 658mg | 66% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
6 reviews
Excellent
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