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White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

This classic and comforting white cheddar mac and cheese is cooked perfectly with fresh thyme, garlic, and tons of melty gooey white cheddar cheese!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 545 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces dry cavatappi pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 shallot minced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme minced
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water
  • 12 ounces freshly shredded white cheddar cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain. 
  3. In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  4. Once fragrant, add the shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes or just until the shallot is tender. 
  5. Next add the garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for an additional minute. 
  6. Add the butter and allow it to melt, stirring occasionally.
  7. Once the butter is melted, add the flour and stir– a thick paste should form.
  8. Continue stirring for 1-2 minutes or until the flour has turned from white to light brown. 
  9. Slowly add the milk, stirring constantly. If there are any large lumps of flour in the sauce, use a whisk to break them up. 
  10. Once the milk has been incorporated into the roux, add the reserved pasta water. Allow the sauce to cook for 3-4 minutes or until it is thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  11. Remove the sauce from the heat and add the white cheddar cheese and ground nutmeg. Stir until the cheese has melted.
  12. Then, add the pasta and stir to combine.
  13. Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days

Nutrition Information

Serving 1g Calories 545kcal (27%) Carbohydrates 41g (14%) Protein 22g (44%) Fat 32g (49%) Saturated Fat 18g (90%) Polyunsaturated Fat 12g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 85mg (28%) Sodium 470mg (20%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 6g (12%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 545

% Daily Value*

Serving 1g
Calories 545kcal 27%
Carbohydrates 41g 14%
Protein 22g 44%
Fat 32g 49%
Saturated Fat 18g 90%
Polyunsaturated Fat 12g 71%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 85mg 28%
Sodium 470mg 20%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 6g 12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.