Special Cheezy Pasta

Name: Special Cheezy Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 19 min
Total time: 29 min
Yield: 3
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 250 grams Pasta (e.g., Macaroni, Penne) (Any short pasta variety works well); 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter; 2 tablespoons All-purpose Flour; 2 cups Whole Milk (For a richer sauce); 1.5 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Shredded); 0.5 cup Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded, for extra stretch); 0.5 teaspoon Salt (Or to taste); 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground preferred); 0.25 teaspoon Garlic Powder; 0.5 teaspoon Dried Oregano (Optional, for added flavor)

Indulge in this quick and delightful Special Cheezy Pasta, a creamy and savory comfort food dish perfect for a satisfying meal. This recipe features perfectly cooked pasta coated in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, made with a blend of cheeses for ultimate flavor. It's an easy-to-follow recipe that brings a beloved fast-food favorite right to your kitchen.

#pasta

#cheesy

#comfort food

#quick dinner

#vegetarian

#easy recipe

#fast food style

Boiling Pasta

Recipe Information

10m

Prep Time

19m

Cook Time

29m

Total Time

Servings

Easy

American

English

Nutrition (per serving)

650

Calories

28g

Protein

75g

Carbs

30g

Fat

Making the Cheese Sauce Base

Ingredients

Servings: 3

💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!

Melting Cheese into Sauce

Instructions

0/6 completed

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
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10m
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
10m
Ensure water is generously salted for flavorful pasta. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining.
2
While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
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2m
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While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
2m
Cook the roux until it smells slightly nutty, but don't let it brown for a light-colored sauce.
3
Gradually whisk in the milk into the roux, a little at a time, to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
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3m
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Gradually whisk in the milk into the roux, a little at a time, to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
3m
Keep the heat at medium-low to prevent scorching the milk. Whisk continuously for a smooth sauce.
4
Reduce heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and oregano (if using). Stir until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
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2m
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Reduce heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and oregano (if using). Stir until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
2m
Remove the saucepan from the heat before adding the cheese to prevent the sauce from breaking or becoming oily. Stir gently until just melted.
5
Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to ensure all the pasta is evenly coated with the rich, cheesy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
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1m
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Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to ensure all the pasta is evenly coated with the rich, cheesy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
1m
Adding a bit of pasta water helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta and improves its consistency.
6
Serve the Special Cheezy Pasta immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives, if desired.
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1m
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Serve the Special Cheezy Pasta immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives, if desired.
1m
This pasta is best enjoyed hot and fresh. Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.