Pasta with cheese sauce
If you are a cheese lover, this pasta with cheese sauce recipe is for you! A silky, creamy cheese sauce wrapped around tender pasta makes for the ultimate comfort food. And because balance is key, it comes with fresh veggies and bacon on the side. Quick to make, easy to enjoy, and absolutely loaded with cheesy goodness, what more could you want?
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Ingredients
|
Butter
|
40 g |
|---|---|
|
Plain flour
|
4 tbsp |
|
Milk
|
500 ml |
|
Nutmeg, finely grated
|
1 tsp |
|
Dried chilli flakes
|
½ tsp |
|
Coarse salt
|
¼ tsp |
|
Grated cheese, for example, cheddar, Maasdam, or Parmesan
|
75 g |
|
Dried pasta, for example, spaghetti
|
400 g |
|
Baby spinach leaves
|
100 g |
|
Cocktail tomatoes
|
500 g |
|
Bacon, fried
|
125 g |
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Choose the right pasta
The pasta you choose shapes the way the cheese sauce clings and flows. Spaghetti gives a smooth and even texture, with its long strands letting the sauce glide effortlessly over them for a silky finish. If you want more grip, fusilli’s spirals catch the sauce in every twist, while the edges and ridges of penne and rigatoni also hold on to it quite well, making each bite extra creamy.
Perfect the pasta texture
Al dente pasta gives the best texture. Al dente means the pasta should be tender with a slight bite in the centre. To achieve this, cook it a little less than the package suggests, then let it finish cooking in the cheese sauce. This prevents it from becoming too soft and helps absorb more of the sauce.
Maintain a smooth sauce
For a silky cheese sauce, start with a well-balanced roux by cooking the butter and flour just long enough to remove the raw taste without making it too thick. Keep the heat at medium to medium-low when adding the milk, stirring constantly to create a smooth base. This prevents lumps from forming and keeps the sauce from turning grainy. Once you add the cheese, stir gently and let it melt gradually. If it thickens too much, a splash of milk or reserved pasta water will help loosen it and make it easier to coat the pasta evenly.
Save the pasta water
Before draining the pasta, save some of the starchy water. The starch acts as a natural emulsifier, helping the cheese sauce stay smooth and preventing it from separating. If the sauce becomes too thick, a splash of pasta water will loosen it while keeping the texture. This technique is commonly used in Italian cooking to improve the sauce’s consistency, making it blend more smoothly with the pasta.
FAQ: Questions about pasta with cheese sauce
Below, we have answered some of the most common questions about pasta with cheese sauce. Keep reading to learn more.
How can I store leftover pasta with cheese sauce?
You can store leftover pasta with cheese sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta is best when served fresh, but proper storage helps maintain its texture. If you can, keep the spinach, bacon, and tomatoes in separate containers to prevent them from becoming soggy and add them fresh when serving.
What cheese melts best for a pasta sauce?
Cheddar cheese and Maasdam cheese melts the best. The cheddar does so smoothly and gives the sauce a rich, slightly tangy taste, while Maasdam has a milder, buttery flavour and a softer texture that makes the sauce extra creamy. Parmesan does not melt as easily, but its savoury, nutty depth adds a more pronounced flavour that balances the cheddar. Combining them creates a well-rounded sauce with a more complex taste. Try adjusting the amounts to find the right mix of sharpness and smoothness to suit your preference.
How to reheat pasta with cheese sauce?
Reheat the pasta with cheese sauce gently in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce and restore its consistency. Avoid using a microwave, as it can dry out the sauce and make it grainy.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
2506 Kcal
| Fibre | 22.6 gram fibers |
| Protein | 92.8 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 338.5 gram |
| Fat | 85.2 gram |
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Easy pasta with cheese sauce
Sometimes, all you need is a big plate of easy pasta with cheese sauce. On chilly winter days or a quiet Sunday evening, this is the kind of meal that makes everything feel a little warmer. The pasta is coated in a warm cheese sauce, making it an excellent choice for a relaxed dinner made from a few ingredients. Serve it on its own or with a fresh side, then sit back and enjoy a comforting, no-fuss meal.
If you are looking for simpler and more delicious recipes, why not try one of our other favourites? Go for the cheese and ham omelette for a French classic that suits any time of the day or aromatic chicken teriyaki packed with deep, umami flavours. Explore and find your next go-to recipe!
Smooth and silky sauce
The moment you see the roux and milk come together, you know a rich, comforting sauce is on the way. As the cheese melts into the roux, it transforms into a thick, glossy coating that wraps around the pasta, bringing a rich and savoury to the dish. The balance between the buttery base and melted cheese creates a light and satisfying texture that makes it easier to come back for more.
With hints of fiery chilli and warm nutmeg
A touch of spice gives the cheese sauce its depth and balance. Nutmeg is a classic option, often chosen for its warm, earthy sweetness that blends seamlessly with the creamy base. It rounds out the flavours, making it feel fuller and warmer. Chilli flakes add a surprising contrast, cutting through the richness with a gentle heat.
Serve with fresh spinach, tomatoes, and crispy bacon
While the cheese sauce is front and centre, fresh spinach, juicy tomatoes, and crispy bacon can still make a tasty difference. Served on the side, the spinach adds a mild, earthy note, while the tomatoes provide sweetness and a slight acidity that cuts through the silky sauce. ‘
And then there is the bacon, crispy and smoky with a slight saltiness. Scattered around the plate, these ingredients add textural contrast, making the pasta even more tempting. If you want, you can also mix them in with the cheesy pasta for a fresh and exciting experience.
Add your own flair
Pasta with cheese sauce is a great base for different flavours and textures, so why not mix things up? For a savoury touch, try adding grilled chicken or prawns. The chicken's slight smokiness and charred edges contrast with the creamy sauce, while the prawns bring a delicate sweetness with a buttery, slightly caramelised depth.
If you want to add more vegetables, sautéed mushrooms bring deep, earthy umami that is very suitable for cheese sauces. Broccoli adds a mild nuttiness and a tender bite, while peppers soften as they cook, releasing their natural sweetness, which balances the sauce's richness.
Add finely chopped parsley or a sprinkle of lemon zest to keep the sauce from feeling too heavy. The parsley provides a light, peppery bite, while the lemon zest introduces a bright citrus twist that lifts the flavours and keeps the pasta tasting fresh.
