How to make cheesy pasta
Do you love the taste of melted cheese combined with perfectly cooked pasta? If so, then you’re in for a treat. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making delicious, cheesy pasta. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Firstly, gather all the necessary ingredients. You will need pasta of your choice (we recommend using penne or fusilli), cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work great), butter, flour, milk, salt, pepper, and your choice of seasonings (garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning can add a nice touch).
Start by boiling water in a large pot and adding a pinch of salt. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the instructions on the package. While the pasta is cooking, let’s prepare the cheese sauce.
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly until a thick paste forms. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to avoid any lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
Taking the saucepan off the heat, add the shredded cheese, and stir until it melts completely. Season with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you prefer. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and return it to the pot. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta, and stir until every piece is coated to perfection.
There you have it – a mouthwatering bowl of cheesy pasta ready to be devoured. Feel free to garnish with parsley or grated cheese for an added touch of deliciousness. Serve hot and enjoy this divine dish either as a main course or a side dish. Bon appétit!
Steps to Make Cheesy Pasta
Here are the simple steps to make deliciously cheesy pasta:
- Boil water in a large pot and add salt to the water. This will add flavor to the pasta.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the instructions on the package. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta cooks, grate your choice of cheese. Cheddar, parmesan, or a combination of both work well for cheesy pasta.
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add flour to the melted butter and stir continuously to form a roux. This will thicken the sauce.
- Slowly pour in milk, and whisk well to combine the butter and flour mixture with the milk. Continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the grated cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- When the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it and return it to the pot.
- Pour the cheesy sauce over the cooked pasta and stir well to evenly coat the pasta with the sauce.
- Serve the cheesy pasta immediately and garnish with chopped parsley or grated cheese, if desired.
Enjoy your warm and comforting plate of homemade cheesy pasta!
Gather the Ingredients
Before you start making your delicious cheesy pasta, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Pasta
- 1 pound of pasta (choose your favorite type)
- Water for boiling
- Salt to season the water
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of milk
- 2 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend of your choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional ingredients:
- 1 cup of cooked vegetables (such as broccoli or peas)
- 1 cup of cooked protein (such as diced chicken or crispy bacon)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Make sure you have everything prepared and ready to go before you begin cooking. Having all the ingredients at hand will make your cooking process much smoother and more enjoyable.
Cook and Assemble
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Sprinkle in the flour and whisk to combine with the butter and garlic, creating a roux. Allow the roux to cook for 2-3 minutes, until it becomes a light golden color.
Pour in the milk and whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until it thickens.
Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheese. Stir constantly until all of the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Ingredients: | Instructions: |
– Cooked pasta | – Drain the pasta and set aside. |
– 4 tablespoons of butter | – Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. |
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced | – Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 1 minute. |
– 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour | – Sprinkle in the flour and whisk until combined with the butter and garlic. |
– 2 cups of milk | – Pour in the milk and whisk until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened. |
– 2 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination) | – Gradually add the shredded cheese, stirring constantly until melted and the sauce is smooth. |
– Salt and pepper to taste | – Season with salt and pepper to taste. |