Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

What makes Cheese Pasta – The ultimate comfort so satisfying


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Inas Recipes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is the ultimate creamy cheese pasta with a silky stovetop mac and cheese sauce, loaded with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for rich comfort in every bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz pasta
  • Water
  • Salt
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar, freshly grated
  • 1 cup mozzarella or Monterey Jack
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan
  • 4 oz cream cheese (optional)
  • Hot sauce (optional)
  • Crumbled bacon (optional)
  • Frozen peas (optional)
  • Sautéed mushrooms (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
  2. Add salt and cook pasta to al dente.
  3. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain pasta.
  4. In a large skillet or pot, melt butter over medium heat.
  5. Whisk in flour and cook 60 to 90 seconds until lightly toasted.
  6. Slowly pour in warm milk while whisking.
  7. Simmer 3 to 5 minutes until thick enough to coat a spoon.
  8. Remove pot from heat.
  9. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella or Monterey Jack, and Parmesan in handfuls until melted.
  10. Add 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and stir until smooth and silky.
  11. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and spices.
  12. Add drained pasta to sauce and toss 30 to 60 seconds.
  13. Add more pasta water a splash at a time until sauce is glossy and clingy.
  14. Serve hot.

Notes

Turn off heat before adding cheese to prevent grainy sauce. Warm milk helps the sauce thicken smoothly without clumps.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg