Saucy Mac & Cheese

  Dinner

I love the curly noodles in this creamy recipe. Cavatappi (aka cellentani pasta) has a corkscrew shape, but any type of spiral noodle will work. This dish is fun to make and looks so pretty topped with extra cheese and crunchy, golden panko. I like to add ground pepper to my serving.

Saucy Mac & Cheese

Average Rating: 4.5

TOTAL TIME: Prep/Total Time: 25 min.
YIELD: 4 servings.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cavatappi or spiral pasta
  • 3 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 1/3 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1-1/2 cups 2% milk
  • 3/4 pound Velveeta, cubed
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  • 1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add bread crumbs; cook and stir until golden brown. Remove to a small bowl and set aside.
  • 2. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk; bring to a boil. Cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat. Stir in Velveeta until melted.
  • 3. Drain pasta; add to cheese mixture. Cook and stir until heated through, 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and bread crumbs.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/4 cups: 661 calories, 36g fat (21g saturated fat), 121mg cholesterol, 1267mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.

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