Prepare to revolutionize your mac and cheese experience with this mouthwatering twist on a classic comfort food! Imagine creamy, melted cheddar embracing perfectly cooked pasta, elevated with earthy mushrooms and nutritious chard. This isn't just another mac and cheese recipe—it's a culinary adventure that transforms a humble dish into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup chard, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Wash the chard thoroughly and chop into bite-sized pieces. Clean and slice the mushrooms into thin, even slices.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they release their moisture and become golden brown, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add the chopped chard to the skillet with the mushrooms. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the chard wilts and becomes tender. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Return the pasta to the pot.
- Pour the milk into the pasta and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously over low heat until the cheese is completely melted and creates a smooth sauce.
- Fold in the sautéed mushrooms and chard into the cheesy pasta. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnishing with extra cheese if desired. Enjoy your mac and cheese with a nutritious twist of chard and mushrooms.
Tips
- Choose high-quality cheese: Use freshly shredded cheddar for the best melting and flavor.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Aim for al dente to prevent mushy mac and cheese.
- Sauté mushrooms until golden for maximum flavor development.
- Reserve some pasta water to help create a silky, smooth sauce if needed.
- Low and slow is the key when melting cheese to prevent separation.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends for unique flavor profiles.
- Wash chard thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit before chopping.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of cream to your milk.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
