Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese with Pasta
By the Gluten Free Recipes team ·
A creamy, comforting bowl of gluten-free mac and cheese, featuring tender gluten-free pasta enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce. This dish offers a satisfyingly cheesy flavor with a smooth texture that's perfect for any occasion.
At a glance: This easy salads and sides recipe yields 4 servings in about 35 minutes (5 min prep, 30 min cook). It uses 8 ingredients — including gluten-free elbow macaroni, butter or dairy-free alternative, gluten-free all-purpose flour blend — and walks through 5 steps. Updated . Browse more salads and sides recipes or return to all gluten-free recipes.
Cross-Contamination Warning for Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese with Pasta: When preparing this salads and sides recipe, in a shared kitchen, avoid porous materials — wooden spoons, wooden cutting boards, and scratched non-stick pans can harbor gluten proteins even after washing. Prefer glass, metal, or silicone tools.
Gluten-Free Notes for Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese with Pasta: This recipe is gluten-free by using certified gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend, avoiding any gluten-containing grains.
Ingredients
- 8 oz gluten-free elbow macaroni
- 3 tbsp butter or dairy-free alternative
- 3 tbsp gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
- 2 cups milk or unsweetened dairy-free milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or dairy-free cheese alternative)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp paprika (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Cook the gluten-free elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set aside, ensuring no water remains in the pot.
- 2
While the pasta cooks, melt the butter or dairy-free alternative in a medium saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Whisk in the gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a smooth paste and smells slightly nutty, creating a roux.
- 3
Gradually whisk in the milk or dairy-free milk, a little at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
- 4
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese or dairy-free cheese alternative, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 3-5 minutes. Avoid boiling the sauce once the cheese is added.
- 5
Add the drained gluten-free elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce. Gently stir until all the pasta is evenly coated in the rich, velvety sauce. Serve immediately for the best creamy texture.
Nutrition (per serving)
Tips & Notes
- Brown the butter before adding it for a nutty, caramel depth that elevates simple recipes.
- Any plant-based milk works here — oat milk (certified GF) gives the richest mouthfeel; almond milk keeps it lighter.
- Dress salads just before serving to keep the greens crisp; keep dressing separate if making ahead.
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