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Cheese Sauce for Pasta

Creamy Cheese Sauce for Pasta That Will Wow Your Taste Buds

This Creamy Cheese Sauce for Pasta elevates any dish with rich cheddar, crispy bacon, and fresh thyme. Perfect for impressing guests or comfort food cravings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Pasta
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Dried Pasta Choose your favorite shape
For the Sauce
  • 4 ounces Streaky Bacon Omit for vegetarian version
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Can use salted butter, adjusting salt
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Gluten-free flour can be used, results may vary
  • 2 cups Whole Milk Almond or oat milk can be substituted
  • 2 cups Cheddar Cheese Shred your own for best melt
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme Dried thyme can substitute if needed

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Medium-sized saucepan
  • whisk
  • colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Cheese Sauce for Pasta
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add dried pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
  2. Prepare the Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Whisk in flour gradually, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until golden and smooth.
  3. Incorporate the Milk: Slowly pour in milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Keep heat on medium, bringing to a gentle simmer for 4-5 minutes as it thickens.
  4. Add the Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar cheese gradually until fully melted and smooth.
  5. Mix in Bacon and Season: Stir in cooked bacon and season with black pepper, allowing flavors to meld over low heat for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Combine with Pasta: Add cooked pasta to cheese sauce, adding reserved pasta water for desired consistency. Stir gently and let bubble for 1-2 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 600IUCalcium: 350mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Feel free to customize the sauce by adding vegetables or using different cheeses. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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