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Creamy Just A Moment Mac and Cheese Recipe 5-Minute Flavor Boost

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A quick and easy creamy mac and cheese recipe that comes together in under 10 minutes, delivering rich flavor and a satisfying texture without heavy cream or complicated ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons (15 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) milk, whole or 2%
  • 1 ½ cups (170 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Optional: handful of chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until just al dente (usually 7-8 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and set aside.
  2. In the same saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted and bubbling, whisk in 2 tablespoons (15 grams) all-purpose flour. Keep whisking for about 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color.
  3. Slowly pour in 1 ½ cups (360 ml) milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, thickening for about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in 1 ½ cups (170 grams) shredded sharp cheddar and ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese. Add ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Stir until all cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add a pinch of cayenne if desired.
  6. Return the drained macaroni to the saucepan and gently fold everything together until pasta is evenly coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

If the sauce thickens too much as it cools, stir in a splash of milk to loosen it before serving. Avoid high heat during sauce-making to prevent cheese from separating. Cook pasta just shy of al dente to finish cooking in the sauce. Use freshly shredded cheese for best meltability.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, quick mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, easy dinner, comfort food, cheesy pasta, 10-minute recipe

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/creamy-just-a-moment-mac-and-cheese-recipe-5-minute-flavor-boost/