Pasta and Mac and Cheese
A comforting dish that combines fresh pasta with creamy mac and cheese for a delightful meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs Use fresh eggs for a better flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cheese Sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese.
- 1/2 cup milk Add cream for a richer sauce if desired.
- 2 tablespoons butter
- optional breadcrumbs For topping, if desired.
Instructions
Making the Pasta
- In a bowl, mix the flour and salt together. Make a well in the middle and crack in the eggs. Use a fork to mix the flour into the eggs until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it's smooth. Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough using a rolling pin or pasta machine until it's thin. Cut it into your desired shape, such as fettuccine or lasagna noodles.
Cooking the Pasta
- In a large pot, boil water. Cook the pasta for about 3-4 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Making the Cheese Sauce
- In another pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the milk and let it heat up, but do not boil. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and creates a creamy sauce.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly.
- If you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the pasta and cheese mixture. You can also bake it in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes.
Notes
Store any leftover pasta and mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if it looks dry. You can add vegetables like broccoli or peas for extra nutrition, or cooked bacon or ham for a meaty version!