Description
A creamy, savory, and budget-friendly garlic butter mac and cheese made with simple pantry staples. This recipe uses a roux-based sauce and fresh garlic for a rich, comforting meal that costs less than five dollars.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4–5 large garlic cloves, minced
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Reserved pasta water as needed
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow pasta and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving about one cup of starchy pasta water. Do not rinse the pasta.
- While pasta cooks, heat butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté slowly for 2 minutes until fragrant and golden, but not brown.
- Sprinkle flour over the garlic-butter mixture. Whisk immediately and cook for 2 minutes until the roux is light golden and nutty.
- Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon (3-5 minutes).
- Turn heat to low. Add shredded cheddar cheese and mustard powder. Stir gently until cheese is melted and smooth. Do not boil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add drained pasta to the cheese sauce. Toss to coat. If dry, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time.
- Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
Shred your own cheese to avoid anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese. Use starchy pasta water to help emulsify the sauce. Keep heat low when melting cheese to prevent separation. For a crispy top, transfer to a baking dish, add breadcrumbs, and broil for 2 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 60
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 22
Keywords: garlic butter mac and cheese, budget dinner, easy mac and cheese, comfort food, quick dinner, student meals, family friendly, roux sauce