Mac and Cheese Recipe: Based on NeemTime research
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked) – 400 calories
For the Cheese Sauce:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter – 200 calories
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – 55 calories
2 cups whole milk – 150 calories
1/2 teaspoon salt – negligible calories
1/4 teaspoon black pepper – negligible calories
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – negligible calories
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – 600 calories
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – 215 calories
Total Calories for the Entire Dish:
Total Calories for 4 servings = 1,620 calories
Calories per serving (1/4 of the dish) = 405 calories
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Use about 4-5 cups of water and add 1 tablespoon of salt for the pasta. (No calories from salt, water adds none.)
Cook the Pasta: Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook for about 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
(400 calories from macaroni)
Drain the Pasta: Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. You can save a small cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce’s consistency. (No additional calories here.)
2. Make the Cheese Sauce
Melt the Butter: In the same pot (or a separate large saucepan), melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat.
(200 calories from butter)
Add the Flour: Once the butter is melted, add 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and whisk it together with the butter. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour is lightly golden (this forms a roux).
(55 calories from flour)
Add the Milk: Gradually add 2 cups whole milk to the roux, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, for about 3-4 minutes, or until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
(150 calories from milk)
Season the Sauce: Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder to the sauce, stirring to incorporate.
(Negligible calories from seasonings)
3. Add the Cheeses
Melt the Cheeses: Gradually add 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
(600 calories from cheddar, 215 calories from Parmesan)
4. Combine the Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat all the pasta evenly with the cheese sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a small amount of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
(No additional calories, but adding water can thin out the sauce.)
5. Serve
Plate the Mac and Cheese: Divide the creamy mac and cheese among 4 servings and serve immediately.
(No additional calories in this step.)
Total Calories Per Serving:
Total Calories for 4 servings = 1,620 calories
Calories per serving = 405 calories
This Mac and Cheese recipe is creamy, cheesy, and comforting. The sauce is made from scratch using a butter-flour roux, which is the base for creating a rich and creamy cheese sauce. The combination of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses provides a deep, flavorful cheese sauce. Enjoy this homemade version of mac and cheese, which is perfect for a family meal!