Simple and Delicious Mac 'n' Cheese

Name: Simple and Delicious Mac 'n' Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6-10 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1 (16 ounce) box cavatappi pasta, if you use a smaller pasta, use 3/4 of the box; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 2 cups milk, i recommend measuring it out and letting it warm up on the counter for a few minutes so it doesn't s; 1/4 cup flour; 1/4 cup butter, half a stick, preferably softened but not necessary; pepper; breadcrumbs (optional)

Submitted by coffy_bean

"I've been working on a good mac and cheese recipe for a while and I'm pretty sure this is the best I've ever made. I use cavatappi pasta, but you can use any shape you have on hand. It's really easy and a great winter super... Enjoy!!"

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photo by susiehar

Ready In:: 25mins
Ingredients:: 8
Serves:: 6-10

ingredients

1 (16 ounce) box cavatappi pasta, if you use a smaller pasta, use 3/4 of the box
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
¹⁄₂ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
2 cups milk, i recommend measuring it out and letting it warm up on the counter for a few minutes so it doesn't s
¹⁄₄ cup flour
¹⁄₄ cup butter, half a stick, preferably softened but not necessary
pepper
breadcrumbs (optional)

directions

cook pasta according to box directions and preheat oven to 350.
while pasta is cooking, melt butter in a medium sauté pan. once melted stir in flour and pepper.
whisk flour until incorporated and bubbling.
slowly add milk. stir often until milk begins to thicken and bubbles form.
turn off heat and add 1/4 cup of parmesan and 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese. whisk until combined.
gently fold in cooked pasta and transfer to a baking dish, i typically use an 8x8 casserole.
top with reserved parm and cheddar cheeses and dust lightly with bread crumbs.
bake until lightly toasted on top.

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Reviews

Great mac and cheese that is so easy to put together. My DH who isnt a big fan even enjoyed it. Love the cheese combination and I used skim milk, shell pasta, and Panko instead of breadcrumbs. Nice flavor, crunchy topping, and went nicely with our grilled burgers. Made and reviewed for Pick a Chef Spring 2010.

lauralie41
This was great and very easy. I suspect we might have used too much pasta -- we weighed out 16 oz of elbow noodles, which was all we had onhand. Still, I caught my husband getting out of bed and sneaking bites out of the leftovers in the middle of the night, it was so good.

Joyful_FandC

RECIPE SUBMITTED BY

coffy_bean

Coraopolis, Pennsylvania

I am a mommy to the coolest 6 year old around!! I am currently the director at a daycare where I have worked for 10 years. I love to cook for my family and I'm always up for trying new recipes, although I HATE measuring so desserts are not my strong suit!!

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