While butter is commonly used in traditional cheese sauce recipes, you can still make a flavorful cheese sauce for pasta without it. Here's a recipe for a butter-free cheese sauce:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination)
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and a few tablespoons of milk until smooth, creating a slurry. Set it aside.
In a saucepan, heat the remaining milk over medium heat until it starts to steam. Be careful not to let it boil.
Slowly pour the milk slurry into the saucepan, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens slightly, usually within 2-3 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheese to the saucepan. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
If desired, add mustard powder for a subtle tang and additional flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the amounts to your preference.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cheese sauce rest for a few minutes to thicken further.
Pour the cheese sauce over cooked pasta and toss until well-coated. Alternatively, you can combine the sauce with other ingredients like vegetables or protein of your choice.
This butter-free cheese sauce is a lighter alternative and still provides a creamy and flavorful coating for your pasta. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to customize the taste according to your liking.