Macaroni N Cheese for Two
Indulge in creamy comfort with this Macaroni N Cheese for Two, a perfectly portioned recipe designed to satisfy cheesy cravings without the leftovers. This dish features tender elbow macaroni coated in a luscious, homemade sauce made from sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, enhanced with a hint of Dijon mustard for a subtle tang. A quick and easy 30-minute meal, this recipe uses a classic roux technique to create the silky cheese sauce, while optional paprika garnish adds a pop of flavor and color. Ideal for cozy date nights or small-batch cooking, this stovetop mac and cheese is simple, satisfying, and irresistibly rich.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot (wipe it clean after draining the pasta), melt the butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux. It should look like a thick paste.
Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard until fully melted and smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Add the cooked macaroni back into the pot and gently stir to coat the pasta in the cheese sauce.
Serve immediately, garnished with a pinch of paprika if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1554 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 94.8 g | 122% | |
| Saturated Fat | 58.6 g | 293% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 291 mg | 97% | |
| Sodium | 2813 mg | 122% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 106.2 g | 39% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.6 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.4 g | ||
| Protein | 74.1 g | 148% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.6 mcg | 18% | |
| Calcium | 1732 mg | 133% | |
| Iron | 5.8 mg | 32% | |
| Potassium | 588 mg | 13% | |
*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.
