Description
A creamy and cheesy macaroni dish inspired by Chick-fil-A, perfect for comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it forms a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and add the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well to combine.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
- For a crispy topping, sprinkle additional shredded cheese or breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- You can also add cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables for extra flavor and texture.
- For a spicier version, mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg