Creamy Mac & Cheese Delight
Indulge in this creamy, cheesy macaroni dish inspired by the famous Noodles & Co. It's rich in flavor and perfect for mingling with friends and family. The fun twist is mixing everything together in your bowl before digging in! With a luscious blend of Monterey Jack and Colby-Monterey cheeses enveloped in a silky sauce, this dish promises warmth and comfort, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish at your next gathering!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Macaroni noodles
2 ( lbs)
Butter
4 ( tablespoons)
Flour
4 ( tablespoons)
Half-and-half cream or whole milk
4 ( cups)
Salt
1 ( teaspoon)
Paprika
1 ( teaspoon)
Fresh ground pepper
0.5 ( teaspoon)
Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
4 ( cups)
Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, fine shred
2 ( cups)
Fresh parsley, chopped
0.25 ( cup (for garnish))
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the macaroni noodles according to package instructions until al dente; avoid overcooking to maintain their texture.
2
In a large saucepan, heat over medium heat and add the butter until fully melted. Gradually whisk in the flour to create a roux, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes slightly golden.
3
Slowly incorporate the half-and-half cream (or milk) into the roux while continuing to whisk, allowing the mixture to thicken for several minutes.
4
Once the sauce thickens, season it with salt, pepper, and paprika. Slowly fold in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until fully melted and integrated into the sauce. The sauce should still be creamy and pourable.
5
To serve, pour about half a cup of the cheese sauce into the bottom of a bowl. Layer with one cup of cooked macaroni noodles, then top with a generous half cup of finely shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
6
Before enjoying, encourage everyone to mix their bowl together thoroughly, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Mac & Cheese Delight?
It is a rich, cheesy macaroni dish inspired by the famous Noodles & Co that features a luscious blend of Monterey Jack and Colby-Monterey cheeses.
What makes this recipe unique?
The recipe features a fun twist where diners mix the sauce, noodles, and extra cheese together in their own bowl before eating.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
What type of noodles are used?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of macaroni noodles.
How should the macaroni noodles be cooked?
Cook them according to package instructions until al dente, taking care not to overcook them.
What is the first step in making the cheese sauce?
The first step is creating a roux by melting 4 tablespoons of butter and whisking in 4 tablespoons of flour.
How long should the roux be cooked?
The flour and butter mixture should be stirred constantly for about 1 to 2 minutes until slightly golden.
What liquid is used for the base of the sauce?
You can use 4 cups of either half-and-half cream or whole milk.
How do you thicken the sauce?
Slowly incorporate the liquid into the roux while whisking and allow it to thicken for several minutes.
What seasonings are added to the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 0.5 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper.
Which cheese is melted directly into the sauce?
4 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese are folded into the sauce until fully melted.
What should the consistency of the cheese sauce be?
The sauce should be creamy and pourable after the Monterey Jack cheese is integrated.
How do you assemble the individual bowls?
Pour half a cup of sauce into the bowl, add a cup of noodles, and top with half a cup of Colby-Monterey Jack cheese.
What cheese is used as a topping?
A fine shred of Colby-Monterey Jack cheese is used as the topping for the bowls.
What is used as a garnish for this dish?
The dish is garnished with a quarter cup of freshly chopped parsley.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is described as a quick weeknight dinner option that is easy to prepare.
Can this be served as a side dish?
Absolutely, it works perfectly as a side dish for gatherings or as a main meal.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of butter.
How much flour is needed for the roux?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of flour.
What kind of paprika should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of paprika to season the sauce.
Is it okay to overcook the noodles?
No, you should avoid overcooking to maintain the proper texture of the dish.
Why should I mix the bowl before eating?
Mixing creates a delightful combination of flavors and ensures every bite is coated in sauce and cheese.
Can I use skim milk?
The recipe recommends half-and-half or whole milk for a silky, luscious sauce.
How much Monterey Jack cheese is required?
You will need 4 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
How much Colby-Monterey Jack cheese is required?
You will need 2 cups of finely shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese.
What inspired this specific recipe?
It is inspired by the macaroni and cheese from the restaurant chain Noodles & Co.
What is the serving size?
While the exact weight isn't specified, the recipe uses 2 lbs of pasta and 6 cups of cheese to serve 8 people.
Does this recipe include a baked step?
No, this is a stovetop and assembly-style recipe that does not require baking.
Is the parsley essential?
While primarily for a pop of color, the fresh parsley adds a nice finish to the dish.
Is this dish considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is described as the ultimate crowd-pleaser and a source of warmth and comfort.