Description

This irresistible Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy delight with a perfect blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. The elbow macaroni is cooked al dente and enveloped in a rich, buttery cheese sauce made from a classic roux base. An optional baking step adds a golden, bubbly finish for a delightful contrast of textures, making this dish a comforting favorite perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

1 cup elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
2 cups whole milk
4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, approximately 7-8 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns a light golden color. This forms the base of the cheese sauce.
Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the whole milk to the roux, ensuring no lumps form. Continue stirring the mixture frequently and cook for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
Incorporate Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until they are completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, folding gently until every piece of pasta is thoroughly coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
Optional Baking for Crispy Top: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish and bake for about 20 minutes until the cheese sauce is bubbly and the top develops a golden crust.

Notes

For best results, shred your own cheese from blocks instead of using pre-shredded cheese to ensure a creamier melt.
Salt the pasta water well to enhance the flavor of the macaroni.
Use whole milk for a richer sauce, but 2% milk can be a lighter alternative.
The optional baking step adds a lovely crispy texture on top, but the mac and cheese is delicious even without baking.
To make it a quick stovetop version, skip the baking and serve immediately after combining the sauce and pasta.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Chick-fil-A mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, cheesy pasta recipe, comfort food