Sophisticated Macaroni & Cheese Recipe

Name: Sophisticated Macaroni & Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons (1/4 sticks) butter; 3 large red and/or green bell peppers (about 1 1/2 pounds), cut into 1/2-inch pieces; 5 celery stalks & leaves, chopped; 1 1/2 cups whipping cream; 1 1/2 cups half and half; 1 pound blue cheese, crumbled; 1 teaspoon celery seeds; Cayenne pepper; 3 large egg yolks; 1/2 cup chopped celery leaves; 1 pound multi-colored penne macaroni; 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 2 ounces)

Servings: persons

2 tablespoons (1/4 sticks) butter
3 large red and/or green bell peppers (about 1 1/2 pounds), cut into 1/2-inch pieces
5 celery stalks & leaves, chopped
1 1/2 cups whipping cream
1 1/2 cups half and half
1 pound blue cheese, crumbled
1 teaspoon celery seeds
Cayenne pepper
3 large egg yolks
1/2 cup chopped celery leaves
1 pound multi-colored penne macaroni
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 2 ounces)

1
Melt butter in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers and celery and sautA until just beginning to soften, about 7 minutes. Remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper.
2
Combine cream, half and half and blue cheese in heavy medium saucepan. Stir over low heat until cheese melts. Remove from heat. Add celery. Season sauce with cayenne, salt and pepper. Beat yolks in medium bowl to blend. Gradually whisk in half of cheese sauce. Return mixture to saucepan and whisk to blend. Add celery leaves.
3
Butter 13 3/4x10 1/2x2 3/4-inch (4-quart capacity) oval baking dish. Cook pasta in pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain. Return to same pot. Add sauce and vegetables; stir to blend. Transfer to baking dish. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour before continuing.)
4
Preheat oven to 400Au00b0F. Sprinkle Parmesan over surface of pasta. Bake until pasta is heated through, sauce is bubbling and top is beginning to brown, about 25 minutes.

1167

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 tablespoons (1/4 sticks) butter, 3 large red and/or green bell peppers (about 1 1/2 pounds), cut into 1/2-inch pieces, 5 celery stalks & leaves, chopped, 1 1/2 cups whipping cream, and more.

Yes, Sophisticated Macaroni & Cheese falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Sophisticated Macaroni & Cheese

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions