Copycat Panera Macaroni and Cheese
This creamy copycat Panera macaroni and cheese uses white cheddar, milk, cream, and tender pasta for a cozy 25-minute stovetop dinner.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups white cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 pound pasta cavatappi, shells, or elbow; cooked
Instructions
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium and whisk in the milk, cream, salt, dry mustard, and pepper.
- Whisk until the sauce begins to bubble. Reduce heat to low, add the white cheddar, and stir until melted.
- Stir in the cooked pasta. Remove from heat and let stand for about 5 minutes to thicken; adjust salt and pepper if desired.