Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add 2 tablespoons of salt. This helps to flavor the pasta as it cooks. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once done, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
In a separate large pot, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. As the butter melts, sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Use a whisk to combine them vigorously for about 3 minutes until the mixture turns into a paste, known as a roux.
Next, slowly add 3 cups of whole milk to the roux, whisking constantly. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Continue whisking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes or until the mixture thickens up nicely.
Now comes the star ingredient! Add 3 cups of grated cheddar cheese to your thickened milk mixture. Stir it in until it melts completely, creating a rich and creamy cheese sauce.
Once your cheese sauce is ready, it's time to combine it with the pasta. Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce along with any spring vegetables you've chosen, like peas or cauliflower. Stir everything together to ensure the pasta and veggies are coated evenly with the cheese sauce.
If the sauce seems too thick, don’t worry! Just add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up, stirring until you reach your desired consistency.
Give your Stove Top Mac and Cheese a final taste check. You might want to adjust with a bit more salt or even some black pepper for an extra kick. Feel free to add any additional spices or herbs at this stage to personalize it.
Once everything is perfectly seasoned and combined, serve the mac and cheese warm in bowls. For a finishing touch, sprinkle some extra cheese or herbs on top if you like. Enjoy your comforting dish!
