Craving a luscious, creamy cheese sauce to elevate your pasta? Look no further! This easy cheese sauce for pasta recipe is a culinary masterpiece that will transform any ordinary dish into a gourmet delight. With a few pantry staples and a splash of your favorite cheese, you can create a velvety smooth sauce that will coat your pasta in a blanket of cheesy goodness.
Whether you’re a seasoned pasta enthusiast or a novice cook, this easy cheese sauce is guaranteed to impress your taste buds. It’s a perfect match for a variety of pasta shapes, from penne and shells to fettuccine and macaroni. Serve it over your favorite pasta, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal in no time.
Ingredients and Equipment
To make this easy cheese sauce, you’ll need:
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- Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour: 4 tablespoons
- Whole milk: 2 cups
- Sharp cheddar cheese, grated: 1½ cups
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
You’ll also need the following equipment:
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- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
How To Make
Follow these simple steps to make this easy cheese sauce:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth and free of lumps.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring constantly, for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if desired.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips to make your easy cheese sauce even better:
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- If you want a thicker sauce, whisk in additional flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- For a richer flavor, use half-and-half instead of milk.
You can also try different variations of this easy cheese sauce:
- Add cooked vegetables, such as broccoli florets, peas, or diced tomatoes, to the sauce.
- Stir in cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed meal.
- Use a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella, Gouda, or Parmesan, to create unique flavor combinations.
No matter how you choose to make it, this easy cheese sauce for pasta is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Its versatility and delicious flavor make it a perfect addition to any pasta dish.