Description
A simple and comforting baked pasta dish with a rich, cheesy sauce, perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound Elbow Macaroni
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 3 cups Whole Milk
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 3 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Mustard
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Boil macaroni in salted water until just under al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth. Add salt, pepper, and mustard. Stir until thickened, then add cheeses (reserving 1/2 cup cheddar) and stir until melted.
- Combine pasta and sauce in a large bowl. Pour into prepared baking dish.
- Top with reserved cheddar and breadcrumbs.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
Do not overcook the pasta; it will finish in the oven. Heat the sauce slowly for a smooth melt. Let the bake rest to set the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg