If there’s one dish that never fails to please, it’s a warm, gooey, and utterly satisfying bowl of cheese pasta. Perfect for cozy nights in, family dinners, or even a quick comfort meal, cheese pasta is the epitome of indulgence. This cheese pasta recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through an easy-to-follow recipe that promises to deliver creamy, cheesy perfection every time.
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
- 300g of your favorite pasta (penne, fusilli, or macaroni work best)
- A generous pinch of salt
- Water for boiling
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (warm)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped
- Crumbled bacon
- Extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency later.
2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to form a smooth roux.
- Gradually pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the garlic powder and nutmeg, if using, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- If the sauce feels too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
4. Serve and Garnish:
- Transfer the cheesy pasta to serving bowls.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, crumbled bacon, or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Cheese Pasta:
- Choose Quality Cheese: The quality of the cheese can make or break this dish. Opt for freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for a smoother sauce.
- Don’t Skip the Roux: The butter and flour roux is key to achieving a creamy, lump-free sauce.
- Customize the Flavors: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or a dollop of Dijon mustard for extra depth. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy night in or serving it at a potluck, this dish is always a winner. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, add-ins, and toppings to make it your own. Enjoy
