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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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
Directions
Step 1
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.
Step 2
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 3
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
Step 4
Add the all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes, creating a roux.
Step 5
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 6
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.
Step 7
Stir in the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to enhance the flavor of the cheese sauce.
Step 8
Add the cooked, drained penne pasta back into the pot of cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
Step 9
Cook over low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
Step 10
Serve immediately, garnished with additional cheese or a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (2022.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2443.3 |
| Total Fat 105.6g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 62.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.0g | |
| Cholesterol 331.5mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3020.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 264.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 11.7g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 24.1g | |
| Protein 112.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 219.2IU | 0% |
| Calcium 2296.2mg | 0% |
| Iron 11.8mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1416.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories