Quick Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Quick Macaroni and Cheese recipe, a creamy and delicious dish that's ready in just 20 minutes! Featuring tender macaroni enveloped in a rich, velvety cheddar cheese sauce made from scratch, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving homemade goodness. The simple yet flavorful roux-based sauce comes together with pantry staples like butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheddar to create a perfectly smooth and cheesy finish. A hint of paprika adds an optional smoky kick, while black pepper balances the flavors beautifully. This easy mac and cheese recipe serves four and is ideal as a standalone dish or paired with your favorite sides. Quick, satisfying, and kid-approved, it’s a go-to meal you’ll love whipping up anytime!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 grams Macaroni pasta
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Milk
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons Paprika (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni pasta and cook according to the package instructions (typically 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Stir constantly to avoid burning.
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of extra cheese or paprika if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
600 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.5 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.4 g | 92% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 88 mg | 29% | |
| Sodium | 659 mg | 29% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 57.5 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.8 g | ||
| Protein | 26.7 g | 53% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.9 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 554 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 1.3 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 306 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.
