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By Bianca Philp

Creamy White Bean Mac and Cheese

Name: Creamy White Bean Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice); 1 can (15 oz) white beans (e.g., cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed; 1 1/2 cups milk (any kind, or unsweetened almond milk for dairy-free); small can cheddar soup or cream of chicken soup; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheeses like Gruyere or Parmesan); 2 tbsp butter (or olive oil for lighter/dairy-free); 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for depth of flavor); 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping); 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for topping)

7 steps

Prep:10minCook:35min

Updated at: Sat, 11 Jan 2025 20:32:28 GMT

Nutrition balance score

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Ingredients

6 servings

8 ozelbow macaroni

or pasta of choice

1 x 15 ozcan white beans

cannellini or great northern, drained and rinsed

1 ½ cupsmilk

any kind, or unsweetened almond milk for dairy-free

can cheddar soup

small, or cream of chicken soup

2 cupsshredded cheddar cheese

or a mix of cheeses like Gruyere or Parmesan

2 Tbspbutter

or olive oil for lighter/dairy-free

2 Tbspall-purpose flour

1 tspDijon mustard

optional, for depth of flavor

½ tspgarlic powder

optional, for topping

1 Tbspolive oil

or melted butter, for topping

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Step 1

Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.

Blend the Beans

Step 2

In a blender or food processor, combine white beans and 1/2 cup of milk. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Make the Roux

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly, until a smooth paste forms.

Add Liquids

Step 4

Slowly whisk in the soup, remaining milk, and the white bean mixture. Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens.

Add Cheese and Seasoning

Step 5

Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in shredded cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Step 6

Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Optional Topping

Step 7

If you want a crispy topping, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. Combine breadcrumbs and olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle on top. Bake for 10–15 minutes, until golden.