Macaroni N Cheese for Two
Indulge in creamy comfort with this Macaroni N Cheese for Two, a perfectly portioned recipe designed to satisfy cheesy cravings without the leftovers. This dish features tender elbow macaroni coated in a luscious, homemade sauce made from sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, enhanced with a hint of Dijon mustard for a subtle tang. A quick and easy 30-minute meal, this recipe uses a classic roux technique to create the silky cheese sauce, while optional paprika garnish adds a pop of flavor and color. Ideal for cozy date nights or small-batch cooking, this stovetop mac and cheese is simple, satisfying, and irresistibly rich.
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Ingredients
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
In the same pot (wipe it clean after draining the pasta), melt the butter over medium heat.
Step 3
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux. It should look like a thick paste.
Step 4
Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard until fully melted and smooth.
Step 6
Season the cheese sauce with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 7
Add the cooked macaroni back into the pot and gently stir to coat the pasta in the cheese sauce.
Step 8
Serve immediately, garnished with a pinch of paprika if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 584.2 grams (584.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1554 |
| Total Fat 94.80g | 122% |
| Saturated Fat 58.60g | 293% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.30g | |
| Cholesterol 291mg | 97% |
| Sodium 2813mg | 122% |
| Total Carbohydrate 106.20g | 39% |
| Dietary Fiber 4.60g | 16% |
| Total Sugars 15.40g | |
| Protein 74.10g | 148% |
| Vitamin D 143IU | 717% |
| Calcium 1732mg | 133% |
| Iron 6mg | 32% |
| Potassium 589mg | 13% |
Source of Calories