STEP 6: Serve immediately on its own or spinkled with red pepper flakes and enjoy! STEP 5: Taste and season with more salt, if needed. If you want creamier and saucier consistency, add more milk gradually, about 1-2 tablespoons at a time. Continuously stir until the cheese completely melts, forming a creamy sauce (Image 6). STEP 4: Now add the shredded cheddar cheese (Image 5). Stir the ingredients thoroughly until well combined (Image 4). Keep the burner on low heat and add in the milk, ricotta cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to the pot (Image 3). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and avoid overcooking (Image 2). Cover the pot with a lid and allow the macaroni to boil until it reaches an al dente texture, following the package instructions. STEP 2: Carefully add the macaroni, ensuring it's mostly submerged (Image 1). Bring the mixture to a boil on medium-high heat. STEP 1: Add 2 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a pot or a large saucepan. See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements. This water helps thicken the sauce, creating a luxurious consistency without the need for adding butter and flour. Pasta Water: One of the secrets to a creamy sauce is the starchy pasta water left after boiling.If you're a mac and cheese purist, skip the spices and stick to salt only. Adjust the quantities to match your taste preferences. Spices: The combination of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika brings depth and warmth to your dish.Dijon Mustard: mustard adds a subtle tangy note to the sauce, it’s optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor profile.Whole milk is best, but you can also use 2% milk if you prefer a slightly lighter version. Milk: The choice of milk can influence the creaminess of your sauce.
Brands like Gilbani tend to melt more smoothly, ensuring a velvety consistency in your mac and cheese. Ricotta Cheese: select whole milk ricotta cheese made with whole milk for a luxurious, creamy texture.If you like, feel free to mix cheddar with other types of cheese like Monterey Jack or Gouda. Cheddar Cheese: opt for high-quality sharp cheddar cheese that melts well and imparts a rich flavor to your dish.Whole wheat or gluten-free options are excellent choices for a healthier twist. Macaroni Pasta: while elbow macaroni is the classic choice, other small pasta shapes like shells or rotini are also great.