Prepare to revolutionize your mac and cheese experience with this mouthwatering recipe that transforms the classic comfort dish into a vibrant, nutritious masterpiece! Imagine creamy, melted cheese embracing perfectly cooked macaroni, punctuated by crisp asparagus and burst-in-your-mouth cherry tomatoes. This isn't just another mac and cheese recipe – it's a culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook or a weekend kitchen warrior, this dish promises to elevate your meal game with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 300g macaroni
- 200g cheddar cheese, grated
- 100g mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Wash the asparagus and trim off the tough woody ends. Chop into 1-inch pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped asparagus and sauté for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- Drain the cooked macaroni in a colander, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Return the pasta to the pot.
- Reduce the skillet heat to low. Add milk to the asparagus and slowly stir in the grated cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, creating a smooth cheese sauce.
- Pour the cheese and asparagus mixture over the cooked macaroni. Stir gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired creaminess.
- Fold in the halved cherry tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer to serving dishes and garnish with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook your macaroni al dente – it continues cooking when mixed with the cheese sauce, so slightly firm is ideal.
- Cheese Melting Hack: Grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties. Fresh-grated cheese melts more smoothly and creates a creamier sauce.
- Vegetable Timing: Sauté asparagus just until bright green to maintain its crisp texture and nutritional value.
- Sauce Consistency: If your cheese sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out – this starchy liquid helps create a silky smooth texture.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with fresh herbs like basil or chives just before serving.Pro Tip: This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to swap asparagus with broccoli or add crispy bacon bits for additional flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 624kcal
Carbohydrates: 64g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 84mg
