Description
A comforting and kid-friendly classic, this Mac n Cheese features creamy, cheesy pasta paired with sweet and tender glazed baby carrots. The dish combines simple ingredients into a delicious meal perfect for children and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Mac n Cheese
- 6 ounce Pipette Pasta
- 2 quart Water
- 2 teaspoon Salt (divided)
- 4 American Cheese Slices
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 1/2 cup Whipping Cream
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (divided: 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp)
For the Glazed Carrots
- 6 French Baby Carrots
- 2 teaspoon Oil
- 1 pinch Ground Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoon Water
- Honey to taste
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta Water: Add 2 quarts of water and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt to a medium saucepot. Bring to a high boil.
- Prepare Cheese Slices: Tear the 4 American cheese slices into smaller pieces and set aside for easy melting later.
- Slice Carrots: Cut the 6 French baby carrots into three equal diagonal pieces each to create uniformly sized pieces for even cooking.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the pipette pasta to the boiling salted water and cook for 12 to 14 minutes or until tender but still firm to bite (al dente).
- Drain Pasta: Drain the cooked pasta using a colander and return it to the saucepot to keep warm and ready for mixing with sauce.
- Cook the Carrots: Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a small sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced carrots, a pinch of ground black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook for 2 minutes to start softening.
- Glaze the Carrots: Add 2 tablespoons of water to the pan, cover it, and cook the carrots for 5 minutes until tender and glazed.
- Finish Carrots: Stir in 1 tablespoon unsalted butter and honey to taste. Toss the carrots to coat evenly and keep warm until serving.
- Create Cheese Sauce: Return the saucepot with pasta to low heat. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon unsalted butter, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup whipping cream, and the torn American cheese pieces. Stir occasionally for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Melt and Mix Sauce: Continue cooking until the cheese is fully melted and the creamy sauce evenly coats the pasta.
- Serve: Transfer the cheesy pasta to a bowl, place the glazed carrots on the side, and enjoy this classic kids’ favorite meal!
Notes
- For creamier mac and cheese, use full-fat whipping cream.
- You can substitute pipette pasta with any small tubular pasta like elbow macaroni or penne.
- Adjust the honey amount on glazed carrots to suit your child’s sweetness preference.
- Be sure to keep the pasta warm before mixing to help the cheese melt evenly.
- This recipe is best served immediately for optimal creaminess and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: kids mac and cheese, classic mac and cheese, glazed carrots, creamy pasta, easy kid recipes
