Easy Cheesy Pasta

Creamy, indulgent, and ready in just 30 minutes, this Easy Cheesy Pasta recipe is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. Featuring tender pasta coated in a velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and nutty Parmesan, this dish is a surefire hit for cheese lovers. A simple roux turns milk into a luscious base, while a touch of garlic powder and fresh parsley add optional flair without complicating the process. Perfectly customizable with any pasta shape, this versatile recipe delivers on both flavor and convenience. Whether you're feeding a family or treating yourself, this quick and easy cheesy pasta promises restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 250 grams Pasta (any shape, such as penne or fusilli)
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Milk
• 1.5 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Garlic powder (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux. Cook for about 1 minute, whisking continuously, to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 3

Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 4

Lower the heat to medium-low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, a handful at a time, until fully melted and creamy.

Step 5

Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it to your desired consistency.

Step 7

Transfer the cheesy pasta to serving bowls. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for garnish, if desired, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	998.7 grams (998.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1740

Total Fat 102.30g	131%
Saturated Fat 63.70g	319%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.00g
Cholesterol 331mg	110%
Sodium 4470mg	194%
Total Carbohydrate 119.50g	43%
Dietary Fiber 5.30g	19%
Total Sugars 26.80g
Protein 91.10g	182%

Vitamin D 219IU	1096%
Calcium 2295mg	177%
Iron 2mg	12%
Potassium 918mg	20%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.2%

Protein: 20.7%

Carbs: 27.1%