One Pot Saucy Creamy Mac and Cheese
Try this One Pot Saucy Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this One Pot Saucy Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe, or contribute your own.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
- black pepper
- 6 tbsp flour
- 2 cups of water
- 3 cups of milk (full or low fat - i used low fat)
- 1 tsp salt (note 1)
- 1/2 lb / 250g / 3 cups of dried macaroni (elbow pasta) (n
- 2 cups (150g / 5oz) grated tasty or cheddar cheese (or an flavoured cheese that melts well)
- 1 cup (75g / 2.5 oz) grated provolone dolce cheese (or m
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (or ordinary breadcrumbs)
- 1/2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped (optional)
- Carbohydrate 11.3904399905873 g
- Cholesterol 25.5240000014016 mg
- Fat 9.58137900045954 g
- Fiber 0.0429199994725386 g
- Protein 0.613358000627087 g
- Saturated Fat 6.05336810027621 g
- Serving Size 1 1 - 6 (165g)
- Sodium 24.8013000246268 mg
- Sugar 11.3475199911148 g
- Trans Fat 0.669785900029215 g
- Calories 131 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F.
- Melt the butter in a deep fry pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Add the flour and stir until combined to form a thick paste ("roux"). Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
- Add half the milk and use a whisk to dissolve the roux into the milk. It will thicken quickly, then add the remaining milk. Whisk in small circles, rotating around the pan, to dissolve all the roux into the milk.
- Add the water, salt and 5 grinds of pepper, then turn the heat up to medium high. Whisk leisurely so the bottom doesn't stick to the pan.
- When the white sauce starts to steam and thickens (around 2 to 3 minutes), add the macaroni.
- Turn the heat down to medium and stir gently with a wooden spoon to mix the macaroni. Cook for 1 minute.
- Cover the fry pan, then transfer it immediately to the oven on the middle shelf.
- Bake for 12 minutes, then remove from the oven.
- Turn the oven off and turn the grill/broiler on high.
- Stir through the cheese to disperse it through the macaroni. This will melt the cheese and thicken the sauce. Don't over-stir.
- Sprinkle over the panko and parmesan cheese, then place under the grill/broiler for a few minutes to brown.
- Remove from the grill/broiler and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
One Pot Saucy Creamy Mac and Cheese: A Weeknight Wonder
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the general chaos of family life. So, when I stumbled upon this One Pot Saucy Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe, it felt like a revelation! The simplicity of it all, the minimal cleanup involved – it was a game-changer.
Forget complicated recipes requiring multiple dishes and hours of preparation. This recipe is a true testament to achieving maximum flavor with minimal effort. The creamy, cheesy sauce coats every strand of perfectly cooked macaroni, creating a dish that's both comforting and undeniably delicious. My kids devour this; even my picky eater, who usually turns up his nose at most vegetables, cleans his plate with gusto. This mac and cheese is the perfect example of how comfort food doesn't have to be complicated.
The beauty of this one-pot wonder lies in its versatility. You can easily customize it to your family’s preferences. Want to add some spice? A pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick. Craving a bit of extra protein? Some cooked bacon or ham would be fantastic additions. The possibilities are endless!
Beyond its convenience and adaptability, this mac and cheese recipe also speaks to my desire for quality family time. The time spent making this dish isn't dominated by chopping, stirring, and transferring between pots and pans. Instead, it's time spent connecting with my family, engaging in light conversation, and creating lasting memories in the kitchen. The aroma of the melting cheese and baking pasta fills the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere as we eagerly anticipate dinner.
This One Pot Saucy Creamy Mac and Cheese isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s a symbol of balance in the midst of a busy life; a reminder that nourishing your family doesn't have to be a chore. It's a testament to the power of simple pleasures and the joy of sharing a delicious, home-cooked meal together. It's become a staple in our home, a weeknight warrior that always delivers, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a simple yet sensational pasta experience.
Tips and Tricks for Mac and Cheese Mastery:
- Don't overcook the pasta! Al dente is key for that perfect saucy texture. Following the instructions carefully will ensure your mac and cheese isn’t mushy.
- Use good quality cheese. The flavor of your cheese will truly shine through in this recipe. Experiment with different types to find your family's favorite blend.
- Don't be afraid to add your own flair! This recipe is a great base for customization. Get creative with your add-ins!
- Prep ahead! You can grate your cheeses and chop any vegetables in advance to save time on busy weeknights.
So, ditch the takeout menus and embrace the simplicity of this One Pot Saucy Creamy Mac and Cheese. It’s a recipe that will quickly become a family favorite, proving that delicious and easy can coexist beautifully.
