1-First, bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot, adding 1 teaspoon of salt for flavor. Add 8 ounces of macaroni pasta along with ¼ of a medium white onion, 1 large garlic clove, and 1 bay leaf, then cook until the pasta is just right usually about 7-8 minutes for al dente texture.

2-After draining the pasta, make sure to reserve the onion and garlic to use in the sauce for extra taste. This step keeps the dish authentic and builds on those Mexican flavors we love.

3-Next, blend 8 ounces of shredded or cubed cheddar or American cheese, 1 roasted red bell pepper, 1 cup of Mexican crema, and the reserved onion and garlic until the mixture is completely smooth. This creates a sauce that’s creamy and full of character.

4-Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the blended cheese and bell pepper sauce, stirring occasionally for about 3 minutes to let the flavors meld.

5-Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, then mix it with the cooked pasta and cook for an additional 2 minutes. This final blend ensures every bite is coated perfectly.

6-If you’d like, garnish with crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. For variations, check out our guide to customizing your recipe for more ideas.