cheddar cheese sauce for pasta recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best cheddar cheese sauce for pasta recipe

I’m so excited to share this recipe for cheddar cheese sauce for pasta with you all. As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for quick and easy meals that my family will love, and this one fits the bill perfectly.

My kids can’t get enough of the creamy, cheesy goodness that coats their pasta, and I love how easy it is to whip up on a weeknight. But what really sets this recipe apart is its rich history – cheddar cheese sauce has been a staple in many American households for generations, and its popularity shows no signs of waning.

With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. I like to serve it with some crusty bread or a side salad for a well-rounded meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

And the best part? It’s incredibly healthy, too – with plenty of calcium from the cheese and whole grains from the pasta, you can feel good about what you’re feeding your family.

So go ahead, give this recipe a try and see why it’s been a favorite in our household for years!

Creamy Cheddar Cheese Sauce for Pasta

4.9 from 786 votes

This rich and comforting cheddar cheese sauce is perfect for coating your favorite pasta. It’s easy to make and pairs well with any type of pasta.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz pasta

For the Sauce

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions.
3Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
4In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
5Add flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns golden brown and frothy.
6Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
7Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly and begins to bubble around the edges.
8This should take about 5-7 minutes.
9Reduce the heat to low and add the grated cheddar cheese to the saucepan.
10Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
11If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
12Stir in salt, black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.
13Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
14Remove from heat and let the sauce rest for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
15Add the cooked and drained pasta to the saucepan with the cheese sauce.
16Toss the pasta gently until it is well coated with the sauce.
17If needed, add more pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

🔧Equipment

Saucepan
Whisk
Colander

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 9g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 850mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 17g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a smoother sauce, use a food thermometer to keep the heat at 180°F or below.

This cheddar cheese sauce is always a good idea – whether you’re serving it at home on a weeknight or at a family gathering on the weekend. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it as a main course with some crusty bread on the side, or as an appetizer with some crackers or chips.

And when you’re looking to reheat leftovers, simply place the cheese sauce over low heat until warmed through. You can also store any remaining sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Cheddar Cheese Sauce for Pasta

Q: What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using a hearty, chunky pasta like penne or rigatoni. This allows the creamy cheese sauce to coat each bite evenly and prevents it from getting lost in smaller shapes.

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it’s not the best choice for this recipe. The preservatives in pre-shredded cheese can affect the flavor and texture of the final product, so it’s worth taking the extra step to grate your own cheddar.

Q: How do I store leftover cheese sauce?

Leftover cheese sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat it, simply place it over low heat until warmed through.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to the cheese sauce?

Absolutely! Some options include diced ham or bacon for added protein, steamed vegetables like broccoli or carrots for added nutrition, or even cooked chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal.

Q: Why does this recipe use butter instead of oil?

I prefer using butter in this recipe because it adds a richness and depth of flavor that oil can’t match. Plus, the fat content helps to create a creamy sauce that coats each bite perfectly.

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