Mac 'n Cheese - the ULTIMATE comfort food! My roommates and I always, always, always have an emergency stash of Annie's Cheddar Mac 'n Cheese Shells in our pantr because we're obsessed. And every once in a while, you just need it. You know that feeling? Well, if you're ever without that glorious box of pre-made mac 'n cheese, I made up a recipe for a homemade version that is just as delish! In the recipe you have the option to add some crispy, salty kielbasa to the pasta that sends it right over the edge. It's SO. GOOD. This makes a great lunch, or side dish for dinnertime that will satisfy everyone at your table. Homemade mac 'n cheese is just a few steps away, so make sure to whip this up soon.
Ingredients:
¼ C butter
½ C sour cream
3 C shredded cheddar cheese
3½ tbsp all-purpose flour
½ yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
12 oz dry pasta noodles (I like macaroni, fusilli or mini shell noodles for this recipe)
2 C milk
½ tsp salt plus more to taste
¼ tsp pepper plus more to taste
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
14 oz Smoked kielbasa sausage, diced (optional)
Directions:
Follow directions on pasta packaging to cook the noodles.
While the noodles cook, heat a large saucepan on the stove on medium high heat.
If you are adding kielbasa, add the diced sausage to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring periodically until the sausage gets brown and crispy. Remove from pan.
In the same pan, add the butter and heat until melted.
Add diced onion and garlic and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions start to soften and the garlic is fragrant.
Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and stir to coat. Cook for 30 seconds. Add milk, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Stir and bring to a simmer (3-4 minutes).
Turn the heat down to low. Whisk sour cream into the milk mixture. Add shredded cheese 1 handful at a time and whisk until melted and smooth. Once the cheese is completely melted, turn off heat and continue to stir until the pasta is cooked.
Add pasta to the cheese mixture and stir. If using kielbasa, add it to the pasta mixture and serve!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 3-4 servings
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