Description
White Cheddar Mac and Cheese is a creamy, weeknight-friendly pasta dish featuring a smooth white cheddar and Parmesan sauce. This 30-minute stovetop recipe coats al dente pasta in a luxurious, buttery cheese sauce, perfect for quick comfort meals. Simple ingredients, no fuss, and a touch of garlic powder elevate classic macaroni into a rich, family favorite. Garnish with parsley for color and brightness. Leftovers reheat beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave, making it ideal for meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta of choice (elbow, shells, or cavatappi)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1½ cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly golden.
- Slowly whisk in milk and cook, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens, about 4–5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in white cheddar and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until fully coated.
- Serve warm with optional garnish.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, use whole milk.
- Keep heat gentle to avoid breaking the cheese sauce.
- Leftovers refrigerate well for 3–4 days; reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: White Cheddar Mac and Cheese, easy mac and cheese, stovetop mac and cheese, 30-minute dinner, creamy cheese sauce, family friendly pasta