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 cozy dinners and is sure to delight everyone at your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces of pasta (your choice, 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 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a generous pinch of salt.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat without browning it.
- Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened (about 3-5 minutes).
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Lower the heat and gradually add the white cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce, tossing gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the creamy pasta onto plates or bowls.
- Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes