STOVETOP MAC AND CHEESE WITH FIVE STIR-IN IDEAS

Stovetop Mac and Cheese with Five Stir-In Ideas image

Provided by Valerie Bertinelli

Time 25m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

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Kosher salt
12 ounces elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
12 ounces evaporated milk
2 cups shredded Colby Jack
Broccoli florets, steamed
Chopped spinach, cooked and drained
Diced pancetta, cooked
Cauliflower rice, cooked
Butternut squash, diced and cooked

Steps:

For the mac and cheese: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni until al dente (the lower range of the cooking time on the box). Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water before draining, then return the macaroni to the pot. Add the butter and stir until melted.
Whisk together the cornstarch, Dijon, hot sauce and 1 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl, then gradually whisk in the evaporated milk. Add to the pot with the macaroni, along with the pasta cooking water, and cook over medium-high heat until bubbling. Take off the heat and add the cheese, stirring until melted.
Serve immediately either plain or with your desired stir-ins.