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Easy, Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

12 ounces small pasta noodles like elbows or shells
2 teaspoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons flour
2 1/2 cups lowfat milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups freshly-grated sharp cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Pair each serving with:
8-ounce glass of real milk

Directions

  1. Add pasta to a pot of boiling salted water, boil till tender, then drain and rinse with cold water. Toss pasta with 2 teaspoons oil and set aside.


  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Stir in flour. Very gradually whisk in 2 cups milk until smooth and creamy. Stir in garlic powder.


  3. Stir in cheese until completely melted and fully incorporated. Add a little milk if needed (up to 1/2 cup) to thin the sauce if it is too thick for your liking. Season with salt and pepper to taste.


  4. Stir in cooked pasta, garnish with cracked black pepper and chopped parsley, if desired, and serve alongside a glass of real milk.


Nutrition

660 calories; 36g fat; 21g saturated fat; 105 mg cholesterol; 33 g protein; 51 g carbohydrates; 2 g fiber; 540 mg sodium;  905 mg calcium. Nutrition figures include an 8-ounce glass of lowfat milk.