Description
Cheese Skillet Mac is the ultimate comfort food that combines rich, creamy cheese sauce with perfectly cooked pasta in a quick, one-pan recipe. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. The beauty of Cheese Skillet Mac lies in its versatility; you can customize it with your favorite cheeses or add-ins like vegetables and proteins to suit your taste. Whether you stick with classic sharp cheddar or mix in some mozzarella for extra creaminess, this dish promises to delight everyone at the table. Serve it hot alongside a crisp salad or garlic bread for a well-rounded meal that satisfies both cravings and appetites.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni
- Unsalted butter
- All-purpose flour
- Whole milk
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour until golden.
- Thicken Sauce: Gradually add milk while whisking continuously for 4-5 minutes until thickened.
- Melt Cheese: Reduce heat, stir in cheddar cheese until melted, then season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Combine: Add cooked macaroni to the sauce, mixing well to coat evenly.
- Serve: Enjoy hot straight from the skillet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Use fresh cheese for optimal melting quality. Experiment with different cheeses or add-ins like sautéed vegetables or crispy bacon for extra flavor.