Cheesy Baked Pasta Dish (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Pasta
01 -
1 pound elbow pasta
→ Sauce Base
02 -
6 tablespoons butter
03 -
3 tablespoons flour
04 -
1 1/2 cups milk
05 -
1/2 cup heavy cream
06 -
1/2 cup saved pasta water
→ Cheese
07 -
16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated fresh
08 -
16 ounces colby jack cheese, grated fresh
09 -
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated fresh
→ Seasonings
10 -
2 teaspoons salt
11 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
13 -
1/2 teaspoon paprika
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat your oven to 420°F. Boil pasta until just firm to bite, save 1 cup of the water, then drain completely.
02 -
In a big pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add flour and whisk it together until mixed.
03 -
Add milk while stirring until it gets thick. Turn down heat to medium-low, then mix in your spices and heavy cream.
04 -
Mix in half of each type of cheese (8 oz cheddar, 8 oz colby jack, 4 oz mozzarella) and the saved pasta water until everything's smooth.
05 -
Take the pot off the heat and stir in your cooked pasta until it's fully covered in sauce.
06 -
Put half your mac and cheese in a 12×9 baking dish, sprinkle half the leftover cheese on top. Add the rest of your mac and cheese, then cover with the remaining cheese. Bake for 20 minutes until it looks golden on top.
# Notes:
01 -
For the best melt, always grate your own cheese. Store-bought shredded stuff has additives that make the texture weird.
02 -
The pasta water you save helps make your sauce extra smooth and creamy.