Description
Penne meets mac and cheese in this cozy, ultra-creamy comfort dish. With its ridged texture and perfect bite, penne holds onto that velvety cheese sauce like a champ. Whether it’s a family dinner or a late-night craving, this one brings the cheesy magic every time.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan (optional for extra richness)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: breadcrumbs, paprika, parsley
Instructions
Cook penne in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in milk, stirring until smooth.
Cook and stir until sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in cheddar (and Parmesan if using) until melted.
Season with salt and pepper.
Toss cooked penne into the sauce until fully coated.
Optional: transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and a pinch of paprika, and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 18g