Meanwhile, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Gradually whisk in flour until smooth; cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and next 3 ingredients; cook, whisking constantly, 8 to 10 minutes or until thickened.
Remove from heat.
Gradually stir in Cheddar cheese, stirring until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Stir in hot cooked pasta.
Serve immediately.
Kitchen Express Easy, Creamy Mac and Cheese: Prepare pasta according to package directions. Cook 2 (10-oz.) containers refrigerated light Alfredo sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat, stirring often, 3 to 4 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Gradually whisk in 1 (10-oz.) block 2% sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded, until smooth. Stir in hot cooked pasta and 1/4 tsp. ground red pepper. Hands-on Time: 15 min., Total Time: 15 min.
Try These Twists!
Southwest Chicken Mac and Cheese: Stir 2 cups chopped cooked chicken and 1 (10-oz.) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, drained, into cheese sauce with pasta.
Spinach-Bacon Mac and Cheese: Stir 1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon (about 6 slices) and 1 (6-oz.) package fresh baby spinach into cheese sauce with pasta.
Broccoli-Ham Mac and Cheese: Stir 2 cups chopped smoked ham and 1 (12-oz.) package frozen steam-in-bag broccoli florets, cooked according to package directions, into cheese sauce with pasta.
Chicken-Asparagus Mac and Cheese: Stir 2 cups chopped cooked chicken and 1 (9-oz.) package frozen asparagus cuts, cooked according to package directions, into cheese sauce with pasta.
Pea-Prosciutto Mac and Cheese: Cook 1/2 cup thinly sliced prosciutto, pancetta, or bacon (about 2 oz.) in a lightly greased skillet until crisp. Stir prosciutto and 1 (12-oz.) package frozen sweet peas, cooked according to package directions, into cheese sauce with pasta.
