My Family’s Favorite Pasta Recipe! I Cook It Every Weekend - Incredibly Easy & Delicious!

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Lower calorie option or more budget-friendly.

elbow macaroni

🥗Healthier: whole grain pasta

💰Cheaper: any pasta shape

More nutritious or versatile.

Cook 12 oz elbow macaroni for 2–3 minutes less than the package instructions to achieve al dente.

Melt 5 tbsp butter over medium heat.

Add 4 tbsp flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.

Pour 1 cup milk into the mixture, stirring constantly.

Gradually add the remaining milk, whisking until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.

Add 1/2 tsp Dijon powder or 1 tsp dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1/4 tsp nutmeg.

Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until it thickens to a smooth, creamy texture.

Turn the heat off, add the cheese, and stir – cheese doesn’t need to fully melt.

Drain the pasta and add 1/2 tbsp butter.

Pour the sauce over the macaroni and stir to combine.

Transfer the mixture back to the skillet.

Mix 3/4 cups panko breadcrumbs with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp garlic powder, then add 1 tbsp butter and mix well.

Top with a layer of breadcrumbs.

Bake at 180°C/360°F for 30 minutes or until the top is golden.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens