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Amazing Tini's Mac and Cheese for Busy Nights

Amazing Tini's Mac and Cheese for Busy Nights

A creamy, indulgent mac and cheese recipe that comes together quickly for an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner Recipes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 625

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons butter unsalted
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2.5 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste and turns slightly golden.
  3. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese in batches, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Add the cooked macaroni back into the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir well to ensure every piece of pasta is coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to reach desired consistency. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Nutrition

Calories: 625kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 26gFat: 32gSodium: 680mgFiber: 2g

Notes

For extra creaminess, reserve some pasta water before draining and add it to the sauce if needed. Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for the smoothest sauce. This mac and cheese is best served immediately but can be reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

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