Monterey Jack With Pasta
Creamy Monterey Jack cheese blends with tender pasta in this comforting baked dish, perfect for cheese lovers and family dinners, offering rich flavors and a cheesy crust.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter.
- Stir in flour until smooth.
- Off heat, stir in milk, keeping mixture smooth.
- Cook over moderate heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and boiling.
- Spread half of the cooked macaroni over the bottom of a buttered 2-quart baking dish.
- Sprinkle with half of the cheese.
- Layer with remaining macaroni.
- Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Pour hot cheese sauce evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle with paprika.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk, or add a bit of cream cheese to the sauce. You can also substitute Monterey Jack with other cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a different flavor profile. To enhance the dish, add cooked vegetables such as broccoli or spinach, or incorporate cooked bacon or sausage for added protein. This dish is a great base for personal twists.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Monterey Jack pasta dish with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Congealed Pineapple Salad, which adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the mac and cheese. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or a savory meat dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the mac and cheese in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Monterey Jack With Pasta contains roughly 1155 calories, with 31g protein, 199g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (273% of the Daily Value), iron (167% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (112% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1044mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Monterey Jack with pasta recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. However, always double-check ingredients like the butter and any additional seasonings to ensure they align with vegetarian diets.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).