Extra Cheesy Pasta Recipe

Craving something warm and cheesy? This extra cheesy pasta turns your kitchen into a cozy restaurant. Kids love it, adults can’t stop eating it, and you only need 15 minutes to make it happen.

What You Need

• Boiled pasta
• Butter
• Cheese slices
• Pizza sauce
• Mayonnaise
• Peri peri masala
• Red chilli powder
• Cream
• Chilli flakes
• Fresh coriander

How To Make The Best Mac And Cheese

Step 1: Boil your pasta until soft. Drain all the water and keep it in the pot.

Step 2: Add butter to the warm pasta. Mix it around so everything gets coated.

Step 3: Drop in your cheese slices. Stir fast while the pasta is still hot so the cheese melts into every bite.

Step 4: Pour in pizza sauce and a big spoonful of mayo. Mix everything together until it looks creamy.

Step 5: Add cream and keep stirring. This makes your sauce super smooth and thick.

Step 6: Sprinkle peri peri masala, red chilli powder, and chilli flakes. Mix one last time. Top with fresh coriander and serve hot.

Why This Recipe Works For Busy Nights

This pasta recipe saves you when dinner needs to happen fast.

You don’t need fancy ingredients or cooking skills. Everything goes into one pot. The cheese slices melt right into the hot pasta without extra work.

The combo of pizza sauce and mayo sounds weird but tastes amazing. Pizza sauce brings tomato flavor. Mayo adds creaminess without making it heavy.

Kids actually finish their plates with this one. The mild spice from peri peri masala adds flavor without making it too hot.

Best Mac And Cheese Sauce Tips

Getting the sauce right makes all the difference.

Use full fat cream. Low fat cream splits and looks watery. You want that thick coating that sticks to each pasta piece.

Don’t skip the mayo. It smooths everything out and adds a tiny tang that cuts through all that cheese.

Melt your cheese while the pasta is really hot. Cold pasta won’t melt cheese properly. You’ll end up with clumpy bits instead of smooth sauce.

Stir constantly when you add the cheese. Keep moving it around so nothing sticks to the bottom.

Add pasta water if your sauce gets too thick. Just a splash helps loosen things up.

Dinner Ideas For Kids To Make

This recipe works great when kids want to help in the kitchen.

The steps are easy enough for them to follow. Boiling pasta teaches them patience. Mixing ingredients shows them how flavors combine.

Let them tear the cheese slices into smaller pieces. Kids love getting their hands involved.

They can measure out the spices. Start with less chilli powder if they’re sensitive to heat. You can always add more.

Stirring the pasta is their favorite part. They get to see the cheese melt and watch the colors change.

Keep them away from the stove when draining hot water. That’s the only tricky part.

Making It Your Own

This base recipe changes easily based on what you like.

Add cooked chicken pieces for extra protein. Shred some rotisserie chicken and toss it in during step 5.

Throw in vegetables if you want. Boiled corn, peas, or chopped bell peppers work well. Mix them in with the pasta.

Try different cheese types. Cheddar makes it sharper. Mozzarella makes it stringy and fun.

Skip the spice if you’re feeding little kids. The cheese and pizza sauce taste great on their own.

Use red pasta sauce instead of pizza sauce. It works the same way.

Want it spicier? Add more peri peri masala or a splash of hot sauce.

At Home Food Recipes That Actually Work

Restaurant style food at home doesn’t need to be complicated.

This cheesy pasta proves you can make something delicious without following a long recipe. No weird ingredients you’ll only use once.

The secret is layering flavors. Butter for richness. Cheese for that gooey texture. Pizza sauce for tomato taste. Mayo for creaminess. Spices for a little kick.

Everything works together. Nothing overpowers anything else.

You probably have most of these ingredients already. That’s what makes it a perfect weeknight dinner.

Food With Cheese Recipes Everyone Loves

Cheese makes everything better, and this pasta is proof.

The cheese slices melt into a creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta. Each bite has that stretchy cheese pull that makes you want another forkful.

Using sliced cheese instead of shredded cheese gives you a smoother sauce. Shredded cheese has coating powder that can make things grainy.

Three or four cheese slices work for a regular portion. Use more if you want it extra cheesy.

The cheese flavor mixes with the tomato from the pizza sauce. Then the cream smooths it all out into something restaurant worthy.

Pasta Recipes Mac And Cheese Style

This isn’t traditional mac and cheese, but it hits the same comfort food spot.

Classic mac and cheese uses a roux with milk and cheese. This version skips all that and goes straight to melted cheese and cream.

It’s faster and easier. You don’t need to worry about making a smooth cheese sauce from scratch.

The texture is different too. This one is creamier and coats the pasta more. Traditional mac and cheese is thicker.

Both are good. This one just happens to be simpler and quicker.

Good Mac And Cheese Every Single Time

Getting consistent results means following a few simple rules.

Always cook pasta one minute less than the package says. It keeps cooking when you add it back with the sauce.

Salt your pasta water well. This is your only chance to season the pasta itself.

Save a cup of pasta water before draining. You might need it to thin the sauce.

Work fast once you drain the pasta. Hot pasta melts cheese. Warm pasta doesn’t work as well.

Taste as you go. Add more spice or salt if needed.

Serve immediately. This pasta tastes best right after you make it. The cheese sauce thickens as it cools.

Dinner Recipes Mac And Cheese Inspired

This pasta works for any meal where you need something filling and fast.

Serve it as a main dish with garlic bread on the side. Add a simple salad to balance out all that cheese.

Make it a side dish for grilled chicken or fish. The creamy pasta pairs well with plain protein.

Pack it for lunch the next day. It reheats pretty well in the microwave. Add a splash of milk when reheating to bring back the creaminess.

Make a big batch for meal prep. This recipe doubles easily if you’re cooking for more people.

Kids request this for birthday dinners. It feels special even though it’s simple to make.

Quick Answers

Can I use any pasta shape?

Yes. Penne, fusilli, or macaroni all work great. Pick a shape with ridges so the sauce sticks better.

How do I store leftovers?

Put it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays good for 2 days. Reheat with a little milk or cream.

Can I make this without mayo?

You can skip it, but the sauce won’t be as smooth. Add extra cream instead.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild kick. Leave out the chilli powder and peri peri masala for a completely mild version.

What if my sauce is too thick?

Add some pasta water or milk. Stir it in slowly until you get the texture you want.

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This cheesy pasta hits different when you’re hungry and don’t want to spend an hour cooking. Make it once and it becomes your go to comfort food.