Special Macaroni
Creamy, cheesy macaroni baked to perfection with Velveeta, butter, and rich sauce—comfort food ideal for family dinners and gatherings that enjoy bold, cheesy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Bring 6 cups of water to a boil.
- Stir in macaroni and 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Boil for 10 minutes on high.
- Drain macaroni and pour into an 8-inch casserole dish.
- Mix together 1 stick of butter, cream of chicken soup, sweet milk, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan.
- Heat on low until warm.
- Pour the sauce over the macaroni.
- Sprinkle a little cheese on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of shredded cheese to the sauce mixture. You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a vegetarian version. If you want to add more flavor, sauté some onions or garlic in the butter before adding the other ingredients. This dish is great for using up leftover cheese from other meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Special Macaroni as a comforting main dish or as a side alongside grilled chicken or a fresh salad. It pairs beautifully with Fat-Free Chicken Waldorf Salad for a fuller meal. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for a quick meal, adding a splash of milk to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Special Macaroni contains roughly 100 calories, with 5g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (92% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 898mg per serving (39% 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
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar or mozzarella for a unique flavor. Just make sure to adjust the amount based on how cheesy you want the dish to be. Mixing cheeses can also create a delicious blend.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
To make the dish healthier, you can use whole grain macaroni and low-fat dairy options. Additionally, adding vegetables such as steamed broccoli or spinach can increase the nutritional value while adding flavor and color.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's going into the oven straight from the fridge.
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).