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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Baked Mac and Cheese is a classic and comforting pasta best anytime and popular during Thanks Giving and Christmas. My baked mac and cheese recipe is creamy, cheesy with a buttery crisp topping and goey cheese. Recipe includes how to video and step by step pictures with instructions, stove top method also given.

Baked Mac and Cheese is our family favourite loved by both the kids and hubby. When I was browsing through pasta recipes, I found this Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe quite interesting and started trying. Since then this has been in our regular menu at least once a month.

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About Baked Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese is made by first cooking pasta then tossing it a rich creamy cheesy white sauce finally layered in a baking tray topped with cheese and breadcrumbs and baked. We totally loved it as it had a crusty top from the breadcrumbs with a soft cheesy pasta - total yum.

My family loves all types of pasta and white sauce pasta is their favorite. Me being the odd man out in the family as I am not fond of pasta at all but would love to make for them. This is extra cheesy with a buttery crisp panko topping this tastes out of the world.

I would recommend having it as a brunch (skip a  meal) so that you dont feel guilty of having the cheesy pasta. But guess a day of cheesy indulgence is ok to go what say?! I have given notes for stove top version also for those who want to make it without an oven.

Baked Mac and Cheese is a cheesy goodness perfect for a special dinner or holiday. There are many Mac and Cheese recipes out there but this one is our family favourite. It serves best as such but you can serve it with mashed potatoes, green bean casserole or just a crisp toast.

First when I tried I used a combination of regular cheddar cheese and mozarella cheese. But now when I wanted to shoot a video, I wanted to create a classic recipe which uses orange cheddar cheese as main ingredient. And you know it isn't easy to find this orange cheddar cheese here in my place but luckily one day hubby found it at the supermarket and there was no looking back since then.

Baked Mac and Cheese Video

Breadcrumbs

You can use regular breadcrumbs too but panko breadcrumbs works best. This is before and after shots of toasting the breadcrumbs. Toasting the breadcrumbs in butter adds taste and extra crisp texture.

Cheese to use

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.

Baked vs StoveTop

Baked Mac and Cheese has a crusted crispy top with a goey mac and cheese inside. With Stovetop version you will miss the crusty top otherwise taste will be the same.

For stove-top version check step 28.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese Ingredients

• Macaroni Pasta - Macaroni Pasta variety is preferred for this recipe and I would suggest to stick with it.But if you prefer you can use shell type or 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.
• Butter - Use fresh butter for best taste. I always use homemade butter.
• Flour - Usually white flour is used but you can replace it with wheat flour too.
• Breadcrumbs - I used panko breadcrumbs which works best however you can use regular breadcrumbs too.
• Spices - Nutmeg, paprika and pepper powder are used here for flavor.

How to make Baked Mac and Cheese 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 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 minutes 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. Preheat oven at 190 deg C for 10 minutes.

22.To a small pan add 2 tablespoon butter add ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs.

23.Toast it until it turns golden bown in color.Set aside.

24.Now to a baking tray first spoon the prepared mac and cheese.

25.Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs.

26.Add ¼ cup cheddar cheese.

27.Add 2 tablespoon regular processed cheese.

28.Baked in preheated oven at 190 deg C for 30 minutes. Baked Mac and Cheese is ready to serve!

For stove top version add prepared mac and cheese in flame safe bowl then add the toasted breadcrumb, cheese topping and cook in lowest flame for 10 minutes until cheese melts.

Baked Mac and Cheese is ready!

Expert Tips

• Pasta - Macaroni pasta is best suited for this recipe. However you can use other varieties of pasta too.
• Individual serving - You can even use ramekins to bake for individual serving.I baked in 3 small oven proof trays.
• 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.
• Breadcrumbs - If you do no have panko breadcrumbs you can use regular breadcrumbs too.
• Adding cheese - Simmer and then add cheese. Whisk continuously when adding milk to avoid lumps.

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 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. Using a combination of cheese always works.

2.I dont have a oven, Can I make this Mac and Cheese?

Yes definitely. You can make Mac and Cheese as mentioned then finally add the topping and cook in stovetop for 10 minutes or until the cheese melts.

3.Should I cover the tray while I bake mac and cheese?

I usually don't cover and there is no necessity to cover for this recipe.

4.Can I add other adds-ins like vegetables?

Yes you can add sautéed bell pepper, mushroom, chicken, onion and dried herbs of your choice.

5.How long can I store mac and cheese in fridge?

It keeps well in fridge for 3-5 days in fridge. But it gets easily dried in fridge so make sure to add more sauce if needed while you reheat and serve.

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

Tried this Baked 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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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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Cooking pasta is quite easy when you do it the right way. It should be cooked soft but not mushy, and have that little bite in the middle, that's the right texture which makes pasta taste great. You can mix it with sauce, veggies or just toss with some olive oil and herbs. It cooks fast and makes it as a filling meal even on busy days.

Pasta is simple to make and don't need many things. It does not take long time to get ready and everyone in the family likes it. When cooked right, it will not stick or turn mushy. You can use it for salads, baked pasta or just with some seasoning and cheese. Kids love this anytime.

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About How to Cook Pasta

Pasta is one of the most common dishes used in different ways. It is made by boiling in water along with some salt and a few drops of oil. Once it gets cooked right, you can mix with any sauce or just toss plain. There are many shapes like fusilli, penne and macaroni, but all can be cooked with same method.

The right texture of pasta is what makes it nice to eat. It should be soft but little firm inside, what we call 'al dente'. If you cook more, it becomes sticky and heavy. If less, it stays hard. So stirring well and checking in between helps to get that correct doneness. It make them nice and fluffy.

You can make it fresh and mix whatever sauce or topping you like. It is also healthy because you can control oil and salt. It fits well for lunch, dinner or even for lunch box. Sometimes I cook extra pasta and keep it in fridge, it helps when you want to fix dinner fast later.

I make pasta many times, especially on weekends or when I feel lazy to cook big meal. After draining I just add few drops of oil to keep it separate. This small step keeps pasta soft even after cooling. I have used fusilli pasta here, you can use any type of pasta of your choice like penne, macaroni, shell, disc etc.

Pasta making is a time saving all-rounder recipe which will be nourished anytime by the entire family. Pasta cooking at home is made easy with this recipe. Pasta is generally cooked, tossed in sauce / veggies and seasoned with herbs / spices.

Video

How to Cook Pasta Ingredients

• Pasta - I add fusilli for this recipe but penne, macaroni or spaghetti also works good. You can use any type you want.
• Water - I used enough water so pasta cooks perfectly and don't stick. You can use more water if you want.
• Oil - I used few drops of oil while boiling. You can use olive oil or any cooking oil you use. It helps pasta non sticky.

Similar Recipes

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

How to cook Pasta Step by Step

1.Take water in a sauce pan, add salt and oil to it. Boil it.

2.When it starts to boil, add the pasta and cook in medium flame. Stir in between

3.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 ,thats the right stage. Cut with a spoon to check. Switch off and drain water.

4.Rinse it well in running water. Strain, drizzle oil fluff it up and  now its ready. So you can use it for your recipes.

Cooked pasta ready!

Expert Tips

• Stir often - I usually stir pasta in between while cooking, this helps it not stick to bottom or to each other.
• Check texture - Always check in between if pasta is soft but still has little firmness inside. Overcooked pasta will turn mushy.
• Rinse after cooking - After draining I rinse pasta in normal running water, it removes extra starch and stops overcooking.
• Add oil after draining - Adding few drops of oil after draining keeps pasta separate and easy to toss later.
• Salt - I added salt to give light flavor and season the pasta. You can use normal or sea salt, both are fine.

Serving and Storage

Serve this with any sauce you like such as tomato, white, or even just simple olive oil and herbs. It also taste good with vegetables, cheese or used for baked pasta dishes. You can also mix it cold for salad type dishes.

Keep leftover pasta in a box in fridge for 1-2 days. Add few drops of oil and mix before storing so it will not stick.

FAQS

1.Can I use any type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any type like penne, macaroni, fusilli or spaghetti. Only the cooking time may change little.

2.Should I add oil while boiling?

Adding oil is not must but I prefer few drops so pasta does not stick together.

3.Can I make pasta before and store it?

Yes, you can boil and keep it in fridge for 1-2 days. Just fluff before mixing with sauce.

4.How do know that it is cooked?

When you bite, it should be soft but little firm in middle. That is called al dente and perfect.

5.What if I overcook pasta?

Overcooked pasta becomes sticky and too soft. So always check near the end to avoid that.

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

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

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