The Easiest Ever Copycat Panera Mac 'N Cheese Recipe {15 Minutes}
This copycat Panera Mac and Cheese recipe is so easy and can be made in just 15 minutes! Using just one pan and only a handful of ingredients, this is an easy dinner idea that is even faster than getting takeout!
Ingredients
- 3 cups small shell pasta
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 tbsp spicy brown mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp white cheddar
- ¼ - ½ cup water
- Optional: parsley for garnishing
Instructions
- Place the pasta, whole milk, mustard, garlic powder, and nutmeg in a medium saucepan and mix together.
- Turn the heat on to medium-high and bring the sauce to a simmer. Once it begins to simmer, turn the heat down to low.
- Allow the pasta to cook in the sauce for 6 minutes, stirring the pasta mixture approximately once a minute, allowing the pasta to soak up the sauce.
- Once the sauce is almost all soaked up, add ¼ cup of water, stir, and allow to cook for another 1-2 minutes. The pasta should be al dente at this point but, if it isn’t add, another ¼ cup of water and continue to stir, again allowing the pasta to soak up the additional water.
- Once the pasta is at your desired consistency, remove the pan, and add the shredded cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted into the sauce and completely coats the pasta.
- Top with parsley if desired.
Servings: 6