Ingredients (For 2 Servings)
For the Pasta
- 1 cup macaroni pasta
- Water (enough to boil the pasta)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cheese Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (room temperature preferred)
- 1 cup grated cheese
Cheddar cheese works best, but you may use mozzarella or a mix - Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional additions (use only after mastering the basic recipe):
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Mustard powder
- Cooked vegetables
Equipment Needed
- One medium pot
- One pan or saucepan
- Spoon or whisk
- Strainer
- Measuring cups
Step 1: Boiling the Macaroni
Fill a medium pot with water and place it on the stove over high heat.
Add salt to the water.
Salting the water helps flavor the pasta from the inside.
Once the water begins to boil rapidly, add the macaroni.
Stir immediately so the pasta does not stick together.
Cook according to package instructions, usually 7 to 9 minutes.
The macaroni should be soft but still slightly firm when bitten.
This texture is called “al dente” and prevents mushy pasta.
Step 2: Draining the Pasta
Once cooked, turn off the heat.
Carefully pour the macaroni into a strainer.
Let all the water drain out completely.
Do not rinse the pasta.
The starch on the pasta helps the cheese sauce stick better.
Set the macaroni aside.
Step 3: Preparing the Butter and Flour Base
Place a pan or saucepan on the stove over medium heat.
Add the butter and let it melt completely.
Once melted, add the flour.
Stir continuously for about 1 minute.
This mixture is called a roux.
It thickens the cheese sauce and gives it a smooth texture.
Do not let the flour turn brown.
Keep stirring to avoid burning.
Step 4: Adding the Milk
Lower the heat slightly.
Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly.
Stir until the mixture becomes smooth with no lumps.
Let the mixture cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still flow easily.
Step 5: Adding the Cheese
Lower the heat to low.
Add the grated cheese slowly.
Stir gently and continuously until the cheese melts fully.
Do not rush this step.
High heat can cause the cheese to separate and become grainy.
Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Combining Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce.
Stir gently until all the pasta is evenly coated.
Let it cook together for 1 to 2 minutes.
This helps the pasta absorb some of the sauce and improves flavor.
Step 7: Final Texture Check
Check the consistency of the macaroni and cheese.
If it is too thick:
- Add a small amount of warm milk and stir
If it is too thin:
- Cook for another minute while stirring gently
Turn off the heat once the texture is creamy and smooth.
