Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces gluten-free elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3 tablespoons gluten-free baking flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups whole milk (or another milk of choice, except for coconut milk)
- 1 2/3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano), shredded
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the gluten-free elbow macaroni according to the package directions. Be careful not to overcook it to prevent sogginess. Once cooked, rinse the pasta briefly under cold water for less than 5 seconds to stop the cooking process.
- Melt the butter: While pasta is cooking, melt 1/4 cup butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Combine dry ingredients: Stir in 3 tablespoons gluten-free baking flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder into the melted butter, mixing well to form a roux.
- Add the milk: Gradually pour in 2 cups whole milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth.
- Simmer the sauce: Once the mixture starts boiling, reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 1 minute while continuing to stir constantly to thicken the sauce.
- Incorporate the cheese: Slowly add 1 2/3 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and fully combined.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked and drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is completely coated in the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Serve the mac and cheese immediately while hot for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Make-ahead tip: If preparing in advance, keep the cooked pasta and cheese sauce separate to preserve texture and reheat gently before combining for serving.
Notes
- Do not overcook gluten-free pasta as it can become soggy.
- Rinsing the pasta briefly with cold water helps stop the cooking quickly.
- Use a gluten-free baking flour to keep the dish gluten-free.
- Whole milk provides richness, but other types may be used except coconut milk which can alter taste and texture.
- For make-ahead meals, store pasta and cheese sauce separately to avoid a mushy dish when reheated.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free