Semi Instant Penne and Cheese
Get ready to savor the ultimate comfort food with this irresistible Semi Instant Penne and Cheese recipe! Perfectly al dente penne pasta is coated in a creamy, velvety cheese sauce made from a rich blend of sharp cheddar and gooey mozzarella, elevated with a hint of garlic powder and a dash of paprika for a flavor-packed experience. This quick and easy stovetop recipe takes just 25 minutes from start to finish, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights or a cozy indulgence on lazy weekends. With its creamy texture, bold cheesy flavor, and simple ingredients you likely already have on hand, this dish is an upgrade to traditional mac and cheese that delivers gourmet taste with minimal effort. Serve as a hearty main course or pair with a crisp side salad for a complete meal!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoons paprika
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt and the penne pasta to the boiling water.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes, creating a roux.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese to the milk mixture. Stir until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth.
Stir in the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to enhance the flavor of the cheese sauce.
Add the cooked, drained penne pasta back into the pot of cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
Cook over low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional cheese or a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2443 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 105.6 g | 135% | |
| Saturated Fat | 62.2 g | 311% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 332 mg | 110% | |
| Sodium | 3021 mg | 131% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 264.6 g | 96% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.7 g | 42% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.1 g | ||
| Protein | 112.4 g | 225% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.5 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 2296 mg | 177% | |
| Iron | 11.8 mg | 66% | |
| Potassium | 1417 mg | 30% | |
*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.
