Cooking Instructions

1. Step 1

   Boil the macaroni pasta in a pot with a pinch of salt for approximately 14 minutes or as per the packet instructions.
2. Step 2

   Drain most of the water and set aside roughly 1 cup of the pasta water for later use.
3. Step 3

   In a saucepan, melt the butter on low heat, then whisk in the flour slowly to form a roux.
4. Step 4

   Gradually add the milk and reserved pasta water to the roux, stirring until the sauce thickens. Increase the heat to medium.
5. Step 5

   Add Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Step 6

   Lower the heat and stir in 3/4 of the grated cheese, reserving the rest. Mix well.
7. Step 7

   Turn off the heat and add the cooked macaroni to the sauce, stirring to coat all the pasta evenly.
8. Step 8

   Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to an oven-safe dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
9. Step 9

   Garnish with dried mixed herbs and bake at 180°C for 20 minutes.