My Family’s Favorite Pasta Recipe! I Cook It Every Weekend & Incredibly Easy & Delicious!

Essen Recipes

Video Stats

Channel: Essen Recipes
Host: Essen Recipes
Published: May 5, 2025
Views: 133.3k

Recipe Overview

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 30 min
Difficulty: Intermediate
Serves: 4

Overview

This pasta recipe is a delightful blend of creamy cheeses and perfectly cooked pasta, making it a go-to comfort food. The combination of white cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan creates a rich sauce that clings beautifully to the elbow macaroni. The key to achieving the perfect texture is cooking the pasta just shy of the package instructions, allowing it to finish cooking in the sauce.

The addition of nutmeg is a clever touch that elevates the flavor profile, adding warmth and depth to the dish. Topping it with panko breadcrumbs before baking gives it a satisfying crunch, contrasting with the creamy interior. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

As you mix the pasta with the cheese sauce, the aroma fills the kitchen, promising a delicious meal ahead. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this pasta recipe is sure to impress. It’s a comforting dish that brings everyone together, making it a perfect addition to your weekend cooking repertoire.

Recipe Details

Steps & Tips

1
00:06

Measure and set aside 1 cup white cheddar cheese, 1 cup Fontina cheese, 2 cups Gruyere cheese, and 1 cup Parmesan or Pecorino.

2
00:58

Add 1 tsp salt to the ingredients.

3
01:01

Cook 12oz Elbow macaroni for 2–3 minutes less than the package instructions to achieve al dente.

4
01:26

Melt 5 tbsp of butter over medium heat.

5
01:51

Add 4 tbsp of flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.

6
02:54

Pour 1 cup of milk into the mixture, stirring constantly.

7
03:01

Gradually add the remaining milk, whisking until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.

8
04:09

Add 1/2 tsp Dijon powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1/4 tsp nutmeg.

9
04:35

Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until it thickens to a smooth, creamy texture.

10
05:11

Turn the heat off, add the cheese, and give it a stir.

11
05:58

Drain the cooked pasta.

12
06:05

Add 1/2 tbsp butter to the drained pasta.

13
06:28

Pour the sauce over the macaroni and stir to combine.

14
07:01

Transfer the mixture back to the skillet.

15
07:13

Measure 3/4 cups of panko breadcrumbs.

16
07:17

Add 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.

17
07:25

Add 1 tbsp butter and mix well.

18
08:00

Top the mixture with a layer of breadcrumbs.

19
08:19

Bake over 180°C/360°F for 30 minutes or until the top is golden.

20
09:39

Bring water to a boil.

21
09:44

Add 1 tsp salt to the boiling water.

22
09:50

Add 3 cups penne pasta and cook according to package directions.

23
10:01

Drain the cooked pasta.

24
10:32

Add pasta to the egg mixture and mix well.

25
10:55

Season with salt and black pepper.

26
11:16

Add 1/2 tsp oregano.

27
11:21

Add cheese to the mixture.

28
11:43

Add 2 tbsp butter.

29
11:54

Put the pasta in the pan and flatten with a spoon.

30
12:11

Cover and fry for 10 minutes over low heat.

31
12:17

Flip using a plate.

32
12:31

Add some cheese on top.

33
12:45

Cover and cook until cheese melts.

34
13:41

Cook 2 onions over medium heat for 7 minutes until softened.

35
13:50

Stir occasionally while cooking.

36
13:58

Add a generous pinch of salt to the onions.

37
14:02

Reduce heat to low.

38
14:07

Cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

39
14:12

Add a generous amount of salt to boiling water.

40
14:16

Add 6 oz of pasta and cook according to package instructions al dente.

41
14:28

Add 2 tsp balsamic glaze to the onions.

14:37

Tip: The balsamic glaze enhances the sweetness and adds unparalleled flavor to the onions.

42
14:45

Mix well and cook for another 3 minutes.

43
14:53

Set the onion aside.

44
14:59

Melt 1 tbsp butter.

45
15:01

Add 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper.

46
15:23

Add 1 ladle of pasta water.

47
15:28

Cook for 1 minute until slightly thickened.

48
15:36

Add pasta to the pan and stir well.

49
15:49

Grate an even layer of parmesan cheese over the pasta.

50
16:01

Turn off the heat, let the cheese melt and stir the pasta.

51
16:12

Add the caramelized onions and stir again.

52
17:09

Return the pasta to the pan and add 2 tbsp butter.

53
17:16

Toss until the butter is melted.

54
17:20

Crack 1 egg right into the pasta.

55
17:24

Mix it quickly; the heat from the pasta will cook the egg.

17:24

Tip: Mix quickly after adding the egg; the heat from the pasta will cook the egg and turn it into a shiny sauce.

Ingredients

Serves: 4
Parmesan Cheese120g
Butter5 tbsp
Flour4 tbsp
Milk240ml
Elbow Macaroni350g
Salt1 tsp
Black Pepper1 tsp
Garlic Powder1/2 tsp
Onion Powder1/2 tsp
Dijon Mustard1/2 tsp
Cayenne Pepper1/8 tsp
Nutmeg1/4 tsp
Panko Breadcrumbs50g
Egg4
Penne Pasta180g
Oregano1/2 tsp
Balsamic Glaze2 tsp
Onion2
Allergen Alerts

Ingredient: Dairy

    → Substitution: Almond Milk

Ingredient: Eggs

    → Substitution: Flaxseed Meal + Water

Ingredient: Gluten

    → Substitution: Gluten-Free Pasta

Nutrition

Calories
480
kcal per serving
Protein
22
per serving
Carbs
60
per serving

Skill Level

Skill Level Intermediate
Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Frequently asked questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.

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Interesting Tidbits

  • Cooking pasta for a shorter time than the package instructions helps achieve the perfect al dente texture.
  • Adding a pinch of nutmeg to cheese sauce enhances its flavor.
  • Using a mix of cheeses like Gruyere and Fontina creates a rich and creamy sauce.
  • Panko breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch when baked on top of pasta dishes.