Queso Macaroni and Cheese

Comforting macaroni and cheese made with a creamy homemade queso dip. Loaded with real cheddar cheese and a flavorful kick from Pace Picante Sauce, this hearty meal comes together in under 30 minutes!

Course main, Main dish, side

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings

Calories 760kcal

Author Allison - Celebrating Sweets

Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup all purpose flour
2 ½ cups whole milk plus more if needed, slightly warm
2 ounces cream cheese
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup Pace® Picante
1 pound elbow macaroni
Optional garnishes: avocado, cilantro, sour cream, jalapenos, chopped tomatoes, tortilla chips

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta.
While the pasta is cooking: In a separate large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk until combined. Slowly add the milk, whisking as you pour. Whisk until the mixture starts to simmer and thicken (several minutes). Reduce heat to low and add ½ cup cheese at a time, stirring until each ½ cup is melted before adding the next. Continue until all cheese is added. Stir in Pace Picante and add salt and pepper to taste.
Before draining the pasta scoop out 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and set it aside.
Drain the pasta and add it to the cheese sauce, stir until well combined. Use the reserved pasta water to thin the cheese sauce as needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

Because this queso is made with real cheese it will thicken as it cools. You have to keep it warm in order for it to stay creamy. Add pasta water or milk to keep it creamy or to reheat leftovers.

Nutrition