Ingredients:

  • 1 box (7.25 oz / 205g) Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Dinner
  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) water
  • 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup (60ml) milk (2% or whole recommended)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated, if possible)
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions:

  1. Bring the water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions (usually 8-10 minutes), or until al dente.
  2. Drain the cooked macaroni in a colander. Set aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in the same saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the butter, milk, salt, pepper, cheese powder from the Kraft Mac & Cheese box, Parmesan cheese and smoked paprika to the saucepan.
  5. Return the saucepan to low heat and stir until the butter and Parmesan cheese are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Serve immediately.