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.