Macaroni, the ultimate soul food either by itself as a single dish or as a complementary side to your favorite fried chicken and collard greens. Nonetheless, it soothes the soul, warms the tummy, and tickles the taste buds. For the cheese sauce I used unsweetened almond milk mainly because this is the milk I always have at the house. However, I've done this recipe with skim and whole milk as well and I honestly can't tell a difference once you add all the cheese and spices to the sauce. The cornstarch helps thicken up the sauce so that it's not a droopy mess. If you don't have cornstarch you can substitute it with 4 tbsp flour and follow the recipe the exact same way. We've been making this macaroni recipe for years and without fail it comes out great every time. While the noodles are cooking, the sauce can be prepped and ready to go before it's finished. This macaroni recipe is quick, tasty, comforting, and utilizes fresh ingredients. What more could you ask for? Easy peasy!
Nutrition Tip*
Savor the flavor. Actually chew your food thoroughly vs. scarfing it down whole. Pay attention to the texture, aroma and flavor. It's not just the taste of food that makes it satisfying but also the smell, appearance, and feeling satisfied when you're comfortably full.
Fill a large stock pot with water (about 4-6 quarts). Bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the pasta noodle instructions. About 9-12 minutes. 12 Minutes While the pasta cooks, prep the cheese sauce.
For the cheese sauce: Add the milk, corn starch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, spicy brown mustard, sour cream, butter, salt and pepper to a medium saucepan. Heat the mixture on medium-high heat and thoroughly whisk the mixture until combined, about 2-4 minutes. You might have to whisk longer if the butter is not fully dissolved. Cook and stir until the mixture is thick and bubbly. Remove from the heat and add the cheese, one cup at a time to the mixture and whisk until combined.
Once the pasta is done, drain the water. Add the cheese sauce on top of the noodles. Serve warm and enjoy!
6 servings
1 cup
- Amount per serving
- Calories645
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 30g39%
- Saturated Fat 15g75%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 74mg25%
- Sodium 410mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 70g26%
- Dietary Fiber 3g11%
- Total Sugars 3g
- Protein 24g
- Potassium 236mg6%
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Ingredients
Directions
Fill a large stock pot with water (about 4-6 quarts). Bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the pasta noodle instructions. About 9-12 minutes. 12 Minutes While the pasta cooks, prep the cheese sauce.
For the cheese sauce: Add the milk, corn starch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, spicy brown mustard, sour cream, butter, salt and pepper to a medium saucepan. Heat the mixture on medium-high heat and thoroughly whisk the mixture until combined, about 2-4 minutes. You might have to whisk longer if the butter is not fully dissolved. Cook and stir until the mixture is thick and bubbly. Remove from the heat and add the cheese, one cup at a time to the mixture and whisk until combined.
Once the pasta is done, drain the water. Add the cheese sauce on top of the noodles. Serve warm and enjoy!