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Queso Mac and Cheese

One-Pot Queso Mac and Cheese Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 610

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp salt, plus more for the pasta water
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles, undrained
  • 2 cups (8 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (4 oz) shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Method
 

  1. Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente, 7 to 8 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour, and cook 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk, add cream cheese and all seasonings, and simmer 5 minutes until thickened.
  3. Reduce heat to low, stir in cheddar and Jack in handfuls until smooth, then add the can of green chiles with their liquid.
  4. Fold the cooked pasta into the sauce and stir to coat. Add a splash of pasta water if needed, then rest off heat 1 minute.
  5. Spoon into bowls and top with crushed tortilla chips, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a crispy finish, transfer the mac to a baking dish, scatter extra cheese and crushed chips on top, and broil for 2 minutes until bubbly and golden.