Cheddar Pasta Toss
Indulge in the creamy, comfort-food bliss of Cheddar Pasta Toss, a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner perfect for the whole family. This recipe combines tender pasta—like penne, rotini, or fusilli—with a luscious homemade cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, whole milk, and a hint of garlic powder and paprika for just the right touch of warmth and flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish comes together effortlessly with a simple roux, bringing the ultimate velvety texture to every bite. Perfectly seasoned and topped with fresh parsley for a burst of color, this cheesy pasta dish is as versatile as it is delicious—serve it as a main course, a comforting side dish, or even a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution. Whether you're craving classic mac and cheese vibes or looking for a next-level pasta recipe, Cheddar Pasta Toss is sure to satisfy!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dry pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoons paprika
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens.
Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
In a large mixing bowl or the pot used for cooking the pasta, combine the pasta with the cheese sauce. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Transfer the Cheddar Pasta Toss to a serving dish, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
517 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 24.3 g | 31% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.4 g | 77% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 72 mg | 24% | |
| Sodium | 570 mg | 25% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 53.2 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.5 g | ||
| Protein | 22.4 g | 45% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.9 mcg | 9% | |
| Calcium | 456 mg | 35% | |
| Iron | 1.4 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 352 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
