Cooking Light's Creamy Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Cooking Light's Creamy Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese—a luscious, quick-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. This recipe takes the classic mac and cheese to the next level with a velvety sauce made from a combination of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, infused with a hint of Dijon mustard and garlic powder for a subtle kick. Ready in just 25 minutes, this lightened-up version uses low-fat milk and a simple stovetop technique to deliver rich, cheesy flavor without the guilt. Serve this creamy masterpiece as a satisfying main course or a crowd-pleasing side dish!
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces Elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Low-fat milk
- 1.5 cups Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture forms a paste and begins to bubble lightly.
Step 3
Slowly whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 5
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
Step 6
Serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan or chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (998.4g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2290.0 |
| Total Fat 105.6g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 65.3g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 331.0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5168.1mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 215.1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 8.8g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 30.2g | |
| Protein 124.7g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 201.6IU | 0% |
| Calcium 2700.8mg | 0% |
| Iron 9.0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 39.1mg | 0% |
Source of Calories