Creamy Macaroni with a Twist
Elevate your comfort food game with this irresistible Creamy Macaroni with a Twist! This recipe takes classic macaroni and cheese to the next level with a velvety, homemade cheese sauce featuring sharp cheddar and Parmesan, enriched with a splash of heavy cream for extra decadence. The savory addition of crispy smoked bacon and fragrant garlic complements the creamy base perfectly, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a hint of brightness. Ready in just 35 minutes, this family-friendly dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. The secret lies in the rich, buttery roux and the smoky, bacon-infused flavor that gives an unexpected twist to every bite. Indulge in pure cheesy bliss served fresh and hot!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams macaroni pasta
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 500 milliliters whole milk
- 100 milliliters heavy cream
- 150 grams sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 100 grams smoked bacon, diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced smoked bacon and sauté until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Remove the garlic and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to make a roux.
Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously, to create a smooth sauce. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
Stir in the heavy cream, grated sharp cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Return the skillet to medium heat. Combine the drained macaroni pasta, the cooked garlic, and the cheese sauce. Mix gently to coat the pasta evenly.
Fold in the crispy bacon and sprinkle with fresh parsley for an herby touch.
Serve hot and enjoy your Creamy Macaroni with a Twist!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3466 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 195.8 g | 251% | |
| Saturated Fat | 107.7 g | 538% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 576 mg | 192% | |
| Sodium | 6333 mg | 275% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 270.9 g | 99% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.7 g | 38% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.2 g | ||
| Protein | 153.0 g | 306% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.5 mcg | 32% | |
| Calcium | 2365 mg | 182% | |
| Iron | 7.2 mg | 40% | |
| Potassium | 2302 mg | 49% | |
*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.
