Meme-able Cheesy Pasta 'Fun' Bowls
Creamy, comforting mac and cheese with a playful twist — surprise diced ham and a vibrant parsley garnish that turns a classic into a joyful meal. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup diced ham
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz elbow macaroni and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk until smooth, then simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to low and stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until melted and creamy. Stir in 1/2 cup diced ham and 8 oz drained macaroni, tossing until coated. Cook for 2 more minutes to heat through.
- Step 4: Divide into bowls and garnish with 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while the cheese is gooey and the ham adds a fun surprise.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Meme-able Cheesy Pasta 'Fun' Bowls take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Meme-able Cheesy Pasta 'Fun' Bowls?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep elbow macaroni from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Meme-able Cheesy Pasta 'Fun' Bowls?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Meme-able Cheesy Pasta 'Fun' Bowls for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Meme-able Cheesy Pasta 'Fun' Bowls?
American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to pasta dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
