Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy pasta made by cooking pasta then tossing it in a creamy cheese sauce. Macaroni and Cheese is a quick, easy pasta dish which will be loved by all. Macaroni and Cheese is popular all around the world and this recipe is a must try for its ease and taste. Recipe included with step by step pictures and video.

This Mac and Cheese is very simple and easy to make. Stove top Macaroni and Cheese uses staple ingredients in your pantry and comes together very quickly. This is a perfect dish if you are looking for special weekend dinner. It is a popular quick fix meal for kids.

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About Mac and Cheese

Macaroni is a type of pasta and cheese is loaded in this dish hence the name Mac and Cheese. Macaroni and Cheese is popularly known as Mac and Cheese. This recipe is made from scratch and tastes so delicious. You can see how quick and easy it comes together.

Mac and Cheese is made by first cooking pasta then tossing it a rich creamy milk based cheesy sauce. A different combination of cheese is used for this recipe but I have given alternates for cheese varieties which can be easily found in supermarkets.

Mac and cheese is quick and easy to make once you know how to make the sauce perfectly. It is really no rocket science just you need to note down the tips and trick to make the creamy cheese sauce.

Mac and Cheese is made using a milk and cheese based white sauce. This is more like our regular white sauce pasta minus vegetables and loaded with cheesy goodness that kids will love it for sure.

Mac and cheese can be made in stove or baked. I have a separate recipe for baked mac and cheese, you can check that too if you are interested.

Cheese

Cheddar Cheese is one of the main ingredient used here. The Classic Mac and Cheese uses a special variety of cheddar cheese which is orange in color which isnt readily available everywhere but you can use regukar Cheddar itself. I was fortunate enough to find orange cheddar cheese here in Coimbatore.

Cheddar cheese is the main ingredient here so you can either use regular white cheddar cheese or orange cheddar cheese. The other cheese can be a combination of either mozarella or processed or gouda cheese.

Mac and Cheese Ingredients

• Macaroni Pasta - Macaroni Pasta variety is preferred for this recipe and I would suggest to stick with it. However you can use any small variety pasta.
• Milk - Use full cream milk for a creamy rich sauce.
• Cheese - Cheddar cheese is the main ingredient here, in addition you can add processed or mozarella cheese.
• Flour - Usually maida is used but you can replace it with wheat flour too.
• Spices - Nutmeg, paprika and pepper powder are used here.
• Oil - is added while cooking pasta.

Similar Recipes

• Baked mac and cheese
• Macaroni pasta
• Mushroom pasta
• Baked pasta
• Macaroni pasta

Mac and Cheese Recipe Step by Step

1.Bring 4 cups water to boil in a large pot. Get ready with all other ingredients.When water starts to boil add 1 teaspoon olive oil along with salt.

2. Let it boil well.

3.Add 1 heaped cup macaroni pasta variety.

4.Give a quick mix.

5.Cook until fork tender. It may take 5-6 mins depending upon the pasta variety and size. Reserve ½ cup pasta cooked water for later use.

6.Drain water and Set aside.

7.Rinse it with cold water to prevent further cooking. Set it aside.

8.Keep the flame in low. Now to a heavy bottomed pot add 2 tablespoon butter, let it melt slightly - give a quick whisk.

9.Add 2 tablespoon flour.

10.Whisk quickly until no dry flour is seen.

11.Immediately add 2 cups milk(boiled, cooled).

12.Keep whisking and stirring. Once it starts to thicken switch to a spatula.

13.Keep stirring continuously to avoid lumps. In few minutes it turns slightly thick coating the ladle.

14.Now add salt to taste, ¼ teaspoon pepper powder, ½ teaspoon paprika powder and a pinch of nutmeg powder.

15.Mix it well.

16.Now add grated 1 cup orange cheddar cheese and ½ cup processed or mozarella cheese - I used processed cheese.

17.Whisk well until cheese melts and it is smooth and creamy.

18.Add cooked macaroni pasta.

19.Mix it well. Let it be goey only then while baking it will not get dried up.

20.Mac and Cheese is ready to serve as such too. But we are making baked version so lets proceed to below steps.

21.See how creamy and goey it is. Set aside.

Enjoy hot!

Expert Tips

• Pasta - Macaroni pasta is best suited for this recipe. However you can use other varieties of pasta too.
• Milk - Use farm fresh full cream milk. Use boiled warm milk, I would not recommend using raw milk.
• Cheese - You can use a combination of cheese. Make sure to buy a block, grate it and then use to ensure that the cheese melts properly.
• Adding cheese - Simmer and then add cheese. Whisk continuously when adding milk to avoid lumps.
• Flame - Cook in low medium flame so that cheese melts and does not get burnt.
• Serving - Always serve hot and immediately from stove. The taste changes once it cools down.

Serving & Storage

Serve it hot with toasted bread or it tastes great as such too. I wouldn't recommend to store as it tastes great when hot also the consistency of mac and cheese changes when cooled or stored. So always Serve hot!

FAQS

1.What is Mac and Cheese?

Macaroni is a type of pasta and cheese is loaded in this dish hence the name Mac and Cheese. Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy pasta made by cooking pasta then tossing it in a milk and cheese sauce.

2.What is the best cheese to use for Mac and Cheese?

Cheddar cheese is a must for this recipe. It is ok to use yellow cheddar cheese if you don't get orange cheddar cheese. In addition use a combination of gowda cheese, mozarella cheese and processed cheese.

3.Why does my cheese sauce turn grainy?

This happens when pre-shredded cheese is used which has additives or when heat is high. Make sure to use freshly grated cheese and cook in low medium flame to avoid it.

4. Can I make mac and cheese without flour?

Yes. You can make a one-pot mac and cheese where pasta starch thickens the sauce. You can even use cream + cheese for making a thick sauce.

5.Can I bake mac and cheese after cooking it?

Yes. Transfer cooked mac and cheese to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and cheese, and bake at 190°C for 25-30 minutes.

If you have any more questions about this Mac and Cheese Recipe do mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com. In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook,  Pinterest, Youtube and Twitter .

Tried this Mac and Cheese Recipe? Do let me know how you liked it. Also tag us on Instagram @sharmispassions and hash tag it on #sharmispassions.

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The post Mac and Cheese Recipe appeared first on Sharmis Passions.

Veg Pasta is a simple but tasty dish made by cooking pasta, vegetables in a spicy Schezwan sauce. It's really a good option for quick lunch or dinner and you can make it with easy ingredients at home. Soft pasta with peas and capsicum mixed in sauce makes it filling but still light at the same time.

It is light and healthy because uses very little oil and you can add vegetables as you like. The sauce gives flavor without making it heavy and little spice can be adjusted as per taste. Veg Pasta is also quick to make so good for busy days or when you want something simple but tasty.

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About Veg Pasta

Veg Pasta is pasta dish made with boiled pasta, peas, capsicum, onion and schezwan sauce. Its a very simple recipe, does not need fancy ingredients but taste really good and wholesome. Pasta should be cooked soft but still little firm so it mixes well with the sauce and vegetables.

The sauce is little tangy and spicy, it goes very well with sweet peas and crunchy capsicum. You also can add carrot, beans or corn to make it more colorful and healthier. It stays light but also filling, so good for quick meal. It also looks good on plate with colorful vegetables and sauce coating pasta.

Texture is soft with little firmness in pasta and little crunch in vegetables. Herbs and pepper gives small aroma which makes it good to eat. Indo-Chinese style makes it bit different from normal pasta.

I sometimes make on weekend lunch when we are not doing heavy meal. I usually make this pasta when I don't want complicated dishes and want something quick but filling. Kids like it a lot too.

Veg Pasta Ingredients

• Pasta - I have used penne here. It cooks soft but still holds shape. You can use macaroni or fusilli also. I usually rinse after boiling so it does not stick together.
• Green peas - I used for little sweetness and soft texture. Frozen peas works fine too. Fresh peas gives better taste if you get. Sometimes I pressure cook few whistles before adding.
• Butter - I add for smooth taste and richness, you can use oil instead. Butter also makes pasta little glossy and sauce sticks better.
• Onion - I use for little sweetness and thick base. Onion also gives aroma while cooking.
• Capsicum - I add for crunch and color, green and red together looks nice. Can use more or less. Saute lightly so stays crunchy.
• Schezwan sauce - I used for tangy and spicy flavor. You can reduce for mild taste or mix little ketchup to balance.
• Mixed herbs - I add for subtle herby flavor, oregano or basil also works.
• Pepper powder - I used this for light heat and aroma. Can add little more if like spicy.

Similar Recipes

• White Sauce Pasta
• Masala Pasta
• Arrabbiata Pasta
• Red Sauce Pasta
• Alfredo Pasta

How to make Veg Pasta Step by Step

1.Boil water. When it starts to boil, add the pasta along with salt and a few drops of oil.

2.Cook in medium flame. Keep cooking and make sure you stir in between. Cook until it becomes soft but not mushy. It should have the crunch to bite at the same time it will slightly bend, that's the right stage. Switch off and drain water, Set aside.

3.Pressure cook green peas for 3 whistles. Heat oil in a pan - add onion saute till transparent.

4.Add capsicum saute for 2 minutes, then add schezwan sauce add little water and let it boil for 2 minutes.

5.Give a quick mix then add cooked green peas, salt, mixed herbs and pepper powder.

6.Give a mix, then add cooked paste and toss it well till the pasta is fully coated with the sauce, cook for 2 minutes then switch off.

Serve hot!

Expert Tips

• Cooking pasta - I boil till soft but not mushy, check by tasting, should bend little. I add few drops of oil in water so pasta does not stick.
• Vegetables - I add peas and capsicum, carrot or beans works too. Cut evenly so that it cooks fast. I sometimes steam peas and add it.
• Schezwan sauce - I add little water to coat pasta, too thick sauce makes it sticky. Taste first, then adjust accordingly.
• Adjust spice - I taste after adding sauce, reduce chili if kids are eating. Sometimes I add pinch of sugar to balance tangy taste.
• Extra Add ons - You can also add corn, mushrooms, or broccoli. I sometimes add grated cheese, makes creamy and kids love it.

Serving and Storage

Serve Veg Pasta hot with little herbs or grated cheese on top. Goes good for lunch, dinner or kids meal. Leftover pasta can keep in fridge for one day in tight box. Reheat on stove or microwave, sprinkle little water, stays soft and sauce mixes well. Tastes better after few hours when sauce sits with pasta.

FAQS

1.Can I skip shezwan sauce?

Yes, you can skip but use tomato ketchup or chili sauce for saucy taste.

2.Can I make this ahead?

Yes, cook the pasta and vegetables separate and mix when ready to serve.

3.Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, carrot, beans, corn or mushrooms works well.

4.Is this pasta kid-friendly?

Yes, kids like it for colors and mild taste.

5.Can I use different pasta shape?

Yes, you can use macaroni, fusilli, spaghetti all works, cooking time may change a bit.

If you have any more questions about this Veg Pasta Recipe do mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com. In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest ,Youtube and Twitter .

Tried this Veg Pasta Recipe? Do let me know how you liked it. Also tag us on Instagram @sharmispassions and hash tag it on #sharmispassions.

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The post Veg Pasta Recipe | Vegetable Pasta in Schezwan Sauce appeared first on Sharmis Passions.

Tomato Pasta Bake | Italian Style Baked Ziti Recipe (Vegetarian)

This deliciously creamy recipe for vegetarian Italian style Baked Ziti (Three Cheese Tomato Pasta Bake) is easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Brimming with ricotta, mozzarella and parmesan, this casserole is balanced by a perfectly seasoned homemade tomato sauce. It is one of our family’s favorite ways to enjoy pasta, and I hope...

READ: Tomato Pasta Bake | Italian Style Baked Ziti Recipe (Vegetarian)

Arrabbiata Pasta Recipe

My version of a classic Arrabbiata Pasta recipe includes a spicy homemade tomato sauce made with red chili pepper flakes, fragrant garlic and fresh basil. This zesty sauce is tossed with tender fusilli pasta for an easy and satisfying dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Top with grated parmesan cheese for the perfect garnish!...

READ: Arrabbiata Pasta Recipe

I really can’t get over pesto! On the contrary, my eternal love towards this classic Italian pasta sauce has gone a notch up when I made this vegan pesto fusilli with zucchini and asparagus using my homemade avocado basil pesto!

This is not a cheat meal recipe!

I do not believe in cheat days! With my experience of 34 kgs/75 pounds of weight loss, I truly believe that real success lies in everyday habits!

A single uncontrolled cheat day, even once in a month, can ruin your weeks of effort and hard work within minutes! But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy good food!

You definitely can! And you must! Simply because mindful eating is a lifelong habit and not a sprint!

You can enjoy good food by becoming smart about it! By being smart I simply mean controlling certain parameters of your meals.

Like being conscious of the portion you are consuming; or having it at the right time and not as a random meal.

For example, a high carb dish like this pesto fusilli is best suited for a fulfilling lunch or even weekend brunch in a moderate portion no matter how tasty it is!

Then you would have enough time to digest the food during the course of the day and carb will give you a good amount of energy to carry out your planned chores. Win-win!

The post Vegan Pesto Fusilli with Zucchini and Asparagus | Meatless Pesto Fusilli Recipe first appeared on Flavor Quotient.