Creamy Macaroni & Cheese - for Two or One

Step 1

Preheat oven at 350°F.

Step 2

Cook pasta in boiling salted water until al-dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

Heat the milk in the microwave, on high for 1-1/2 minutes.

Step 4

In a medium saucepan, melt butter. Add salt, pepper and chopped onion. Sauté on medium heat, until the onion is transparent and soft, but not brown.

Step 5

Sprinkle the flour on top, and allow the butter to absorb some of it before stirring.

Step 6

Add the hot milk in 3 additions, stirring constantly. The mixture will get thick very quickly.

Step 7

After the final addition of milk, continue heating the mixture, on medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick and bubbly.

Step 8

*Remove from heat* and stir in the grated cheese, chives and red pepper flakes.

Step 9

Add the drained pasta and mix well.

Step 10

Fold in the cubed cheese.

Step 11

Pour into two greased onion soup bowls.

Step 12

Bake for 20 - 25 minutes.

Step 13

Allow to cool a bit before serving.