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Macaroni with Bechamel Sauce

Macaroni with Bechamel Sauce
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Macaroni with Bechamel Sauce is a creamy, comforting pasta dish combining tender elbow macaroni with a smooth, cheesy bechamel sauce. Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients, this recipe offers a versatile base perfect for cozy dinners or impressive gatherings, delivering rich flavor and velvety texture in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

  • 200g small elbow macaroni or any short pasta
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
  • 100g sharp cheddar or Gruyere cheese, grated (optional but recommended)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the macaroni. Cook until just al dente following the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for the sauce if needed.
  2. Make the Roux: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 2-3 minutes until it forms a smooth paste and loses its raw flour smell, taking care not to brown it.
  3. Prepare the Bechamel Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk a little at a time, ensuring a lump-free mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Season and Add Cheese: Season the sauce with salt and freshly grated nutmeg. If using cheese, mix it in now, stirring until melted and fully incorporated for a rich, cheesy sauce.
  5. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked macaroni to the bechamel sauce and gently fold to coat every piece evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Cook the roux just until the raw flour taste is gone but do not brown it.
  • Add milk slowly to prevent lumps and ensure a velvety sauce.
  • Use whole milk for a creamier texture.
  • Freshly grate the nutmeg for the best flavor.
  • Do not overcook pasta; slightly undercooked pasta holds texture better when mixed with sauce and reheated.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://amandafood.com/macaroni-with-bechamel-sauce/