Description
Enjoy a comforting bowl of creamy white cheddar pasta, featuring al dente pasta enveloped in a rich cheese sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for any occasion and can be customized with your favorite proteins or vegetables for added flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces of pasta (fettuccine or penne recommended)
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 cup of shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tablespoon of salt).
- Add the 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest in a colander and set the pasta aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Once melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in 2 cups of whole milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
- Reduce heat to low and stir in 1 cup of shredded white cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season the sauce with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper if desired.
- Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and gently toss until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Let the pasta sit in the sauce on low heat for a minute or two to meld flavors.
- Serve the creamy white cheddar pasta in generous portions, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
- Enjoy immediately, paired with a side salad or crusty bread.
Notes
- For added protein, consider mixing in cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon bits.
- For a veggie boost, sauté spinach, broccoli, or peas and mix them into the pasta.
- Experiment with different cheeses like gouda or mozzarella for a unique flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes