Pasta with Cheese Sauce
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and decadent Pasta with Cheese Sauce recipe! Perfectly cooked pasta, such as penne or fusilli, is enveloped in a luscious homemade cheese sauce made from melted cheddar and Parmesan, creating a rich, velvety texture that will leave you craving more. A touch of garlic powder, black pepper, and fresh parsley brings a burst of flavor, elevating this classic dish to gourmet status. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, offering a quick, satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole family. Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete dining experience!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 8 cups water
Instructions
Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt, then add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 2 tablespoons of flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and slightly golden.
Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, making sure there are no lumps. Continue to whisk the mixture until it starts to thicken, which should take about 5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and begin to fold in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 0.5 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with 0.5 teaspoon of garlic powder, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Add the drained pasta back into the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir well until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Garnish the pasta with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy pasta with cheese sauce!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2211 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 146.4 g | 188% | |
| Saturated Fat | 90.8 g | 454% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 448 mg | 149% | |
| Sodium | 3579 mg | 156% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 130.0 g | 47% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.4 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.7 g | ||
| Protein | 107.8 g | 216% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.6 mcg | 33% | |
| Calcium | 2826 mg | 217% | |
| Iron | 5.7 mg | 32% | |
| Potassium | 1201 mg | 26% | |
*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.
