comfort food
My four year old had her tonsils out this week, and life since has been a haze of popsicles, ice cream, and My Little Pony on infinite repeat. I’ve been trying to think of foods that are reasonably nutritious and easy to eat, and this macaroni and cheese is always a favorite for the whole family. I especially like it because it’s so quick that I can get it on the table in about fifteen minutes. That’s really helpful when I’ve got a one year old pulling on my leg and a four year old screaming for more popsicles.
Easy Peasy Mac and Cheesy
6-8 ounces pasta of your choice (we like farfalle the best)
1 T butter
1 T flour
1 – 1 1/2 cups milk (depending on how saucy you like it)
1/2 tsp chicken base
1/2 – 1 tsp salt
black pepper to taste
1/2 – 1 cup grated cheese (we like cheddar, pepper jack, or colby jack)
Cook pasta according to package directions. While it’s boiling, melt butter in a medium saucepan. Whisk in flour and allow to cook a few minutes, or until lightly browned. Add milk and whisk until there are no lumps. Add chicken base, salt, and pepper, and cook until sauce has thickened and is almost at a simmer. Remove from heat and add cheese, whisk to combine. By now your pasta should be done, so add it to the saucepan and give everything a good stir.
When I posted a similar recipe before, I mentioned that Abby likes tuna and peas in her mac and cheese. At the suggestion of my nephew, who is crazy about bacon, Geoff and I tried some crumbled bacon in it, and it was pretty awesome. I love that it’s so versatile and easy to add whatever strikes your fancy!
I'd love to make this! What is chicken base? Is it chicken seasoning?
Hi Leslie! Chicken base is a paste that's similar to chicken bouillon. I buy mine at Costco in a big jar but I've also found it at the grocery store next to the bouillon cubes and chicken broth. If you can't find it, you could dissolve a bouillon cube in a little water instead, and just add a little less milk. I'm sure it would be great either way!
Thank you for your response! I ended up dissolving a bouillon cube in water and it turned out great! My 5 year old and 2 year old boys gobbled it up. I love that I fed them something they love and I made it from scratch. My 5 year old asked if I could make this "every night for dinner". When I told him I thought he'd get tired of it if I did that he said, "Can you make it every Monday then?" I will definitely add this to our meal rotation. Thanks again! I am a Lil' Luna follower and am loving your contributions.