Ingredients: 300 g of pasta (macaroni, elbows, or whatever you prefer), 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese, 1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese, 2 cups of milk, 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional), Salt and pepper to taste, Breadcrumbs (optional, for gratin).
Preparation: Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Then, drain it and reserve. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and mix well to make a roux. Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens. Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese to the milk mixture and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. If desired, add Dijon mustard, salt and pepper to taste. The mustard adds an extra touch of flavor. Mix with the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix well so that all the macaroni are covered with the delicious sauce. Gratin Option: If you prefer a crunchy touch, you can sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheesy pasta and gratin in the preheated oven until the top is golden. Serve: Serve the cheesy pasta hot and enjoy this comforting dish. There you have a simple and delicious cheesy pasta recipe! You can customize it by adding ingredients like spinach, bacon, caramelized onions, or fresh herbs depending on your preferences.