This easy, rich and creamy mac & cheese is a treat that is simple to throw together on a moments notice.
You know, like when the kids are finally asleep and you just want to crack open a bottle of wine and enjoy some yummy carbs in peace… Or something like that!
Of course you can double this recipe for 4-6 people, but if there’s only 2 of you sometimes and you’re anything like me… you will probably eat what you make, so why not help yourself out ahead of time!
This is one of my all-time favorite mac & cheese recipes.
I have a lot of favorites. And a lot of recipes.
But when I am craving a good, rich, homemade mac & cheese for myself… this is the recipe I turn to about 99% of the time!
I especially love the chicken stock in this recipe. There is just a little more… umami… in this recipe because of it. A rich savoriness and layer of flavor that you don’t usually find in mac & cheese.
It definitely makes this version stand apart! (Give it a try and let me know what you think!!)
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound penne or other short pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 - 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups, or so, shredded cheddar cheese
- pinch of dry mustard powder
- pinch of nutmeg
- 1/8-1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder or cayenne pepper, to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt & pepper, to taste
Directions
Boil the noodles according to package directions.
Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the onions and sauté until soft and translucent.
Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly until lightly golden and smooth.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the chicken stock, starting with 1 cup, letting the sauce simmer and thicken. If it gets too thick for your licking, stir in a bit more chicken stock, but remember you are about to add some cream too!
Stir in the cream, spices and cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and add more seasonings if needed.
Toss with the noodles and serve immediately!
(You could, of course, throw this into a casserole dish at this point and bake it for a few minutes if you prefer a baked mac & cheese!)
http://sweetannas.com/2012/04/creamy-stove-top-mac-cheese-for-two.html