Mac and Cheese with Bow Tie Pasta

Alright, gather ’round, buttercups, because today we’re tackling the Everest of comfort food, the monarch of meals, the one and only Mac and Cheese with Bow Tie Pasta. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Bow ties? Isn’t that just for fancy dinner parties where you awkwardly try to use the correct fork?” And to that, I say, “Precisely!” We’re taking basic, beloved mac and cheese and giving it a little sartorial upgrade. It’s special because, frankly, regular elbow macaroni sometimes feels a bit… uninspired. These little pasta butterflies just make everything feel a smidge more celebratory, even if you’re eating it in your pajamas at 10 PM. You should try it because you deserve a little extra joy, and let’s be real, you’re not going to make a proper gourmet meal tonight anyway.

The last time I whipped up this glorious dish, my youngest, bless her carb-loving heart, decided that the ‘bow ties’ were actually little tiny hats for her stuffed animals. So, I walked in to find half the pot emptied onto the living room rug, each bow tie perched precariously on a plush toy’s head, while my husband, who apparently has the survival instincts of a houseplant, just sat on the couch watching TV, occasionally murmuring, “Hmm, looks like the little guys are having a party.” I just stared at him. The party was for *our mouths*, honey. The actual party, not the one with the dusty teddy bears. Don’t worry, the other half of the pot was salvaged. Mostly.

Time-Saving Hacks

• Pre-shredded cheese: Yes, I said it. The horror. But sometimes, life calls for shortcuts, and grating cheese is a whole workout. Just don’t tell your fancy foodie friends.
• Same pot, different day: If you’re planning on making more tomorrow (and let’s be real, you probably are), just a quick rinse of the pasta pot is sometimes ‘good enough.’ Don’t tell your mom.
• Microwave the milk: Instead of gently warming the milk on the stove, blast it for a minute or two. It feels wrong, but it works, and your roux will thank you for not shocking it with cold dairy.
• Eat straight from the pot: Okay, maybe not a hack for *everyone*, but it saves a serving dish and makes clean-up a breeze. Just grab a giant spoon and embrace your inner gremlin.

Serving Ideas

You could serve this with some sort of green vegetable, like a side salad that no one will touch, just to pretend you’re balanced. Or, go wild and add some grilled chicken, because protein, or whatever. Honestly, sometimes I just make a giant bowl for myself and call it a day. If you’ve had a particularly “spirited” afternoon with the offspring, a very large glass of wine (for you, not the kids, unless it’s grape juice) pairs beautifully. Or, for a truly decadent experience, serve it with a spoon and the remote control. Keep it simple. You’ve earned it.

What to Serve It With

✔Tips & Mistakes

Don’t overcook the pasta! Bow ties that are mushy are a tragedy. You want them al dente, ready to soak up all that cheesy goodness without turning into a sad, floppy mess. Also, for the love of all that is holy, *do not* walk away from your roux. That flour-butter mixture goes from perfectly toasted to burnt char in approximately 0.7 seconds. Stay there, stir constantly, and embrace the arm workout. If your cheese sauce isn’t perfectly smooth, don’t sweat it. A little texture just adds character, right? That’s what I tell myself anyway.

✔Storage Tips

Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh.

✔Variations and Substitutions

Swap whatever you want—sugar ↔ honey, soy sauce ↔ tamari, or skip steps and call it “deconstructed.” It still counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mac and Cheese with Bow Tie Pasta

A creamy and cheesy mac and cheese dish made with bow tie pasta for a fun twist.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 8 oz bow tie pasta Cook al dente according to package instructions.
• ▢ 2 tbsp butter Use unsalted for better control of saltiness.
• ▢ 2 cup cheddar cheese Shredded for better melting.
• ▢ 1 cup milk Whole milk gives the creamiest result.
• ▢ 1 tsp garlic powder Enhances the flavor profile.
• ▢ 0.5 tsp black pepper Adjust to taste.
• ▢ 0.5 tsp salt Use more or less based on your preference.

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the bow tie pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the milk and seasonings.
• Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir until melted and smooth.
• Return the pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
• Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese if desired.

Notes

Add breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crunchy texture.