vegetariancomfort foodweeknightPlan this recipeShare

Macaroni Madness

Indulge in Creamy Macaroni Madness

4servings
45 min
Easy
Worth the slow weekend prepMacros ready to logFeeds a hungry crew
Macaroni Madness

About this recipe

Experience the ultimate comfort food with our Macaroni Madness, a rich and creamy dish oozing with cheddar and Parmesan. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe blends a velvety cheese sauce with perfectly cooked macaroni, offering a delightful twist on a classic favorite.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Directions

  1. 1

    Cook 2 cups of macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.

  2. 2

    In a saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat.

  3. 3

    Stir in 1/4 cup flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.

  4. 4

    Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, cooking until thickened, about 5 minutes.

  5. 5

    Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups cheddar and 1/2 cup Parmesan, along with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon paprika until smooth.

  6. 6

    Combine the cheese sauce with cooked macaroni, stirring to coat evenly.

  7. 7

    Optional: Spoon the mixture into a baking dish, top with additional cheese, and broil until golden brown.

  8. 8

    Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of paprika.

Chef's tip

For a crunchy topping, consider adding breadcrumbs before broiling. This dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and flour.

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