Creamy Peri-Peri Macaroni is a rich and comforting pasta dish loaded with sautéed garlic, mushrooms, sweet corn, and colourful bell peppers. A smooth butter-flour roux forms the creamy base, which is seasoned with peri-peri salt and black pepper before being combined with macaroni and plenty of grated cheese.

What is Creamy Peri-Peri Macaroni?

This macaroni combines a classic creamy white sauce with bold peri-peri seasoning and sautéed vegetables. The result is a cheesy, spicy, and creamy pasta that's perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Main Ingredients of Creamy Peri-Peri Macaroni:

For the Vegetables

1. Olive Oil – 1 tbsp

2. Garlic – 4 cloves, finely chopped

3. Mushrooms – 1 cup, sliced

4. Sweet Corn – ½ cup

5. Red Bell Pepper – ½, diced

6. Yellow Bell Pepper – ½, diced

7. Salt – ½ tsp

For the Creamy Sauce

1. Butter – 2 tbsp

2. Maida/All-Purpose Flour – 2 tbsp

3. Milk – 2 cups

4. Peri-Peri Salt – 1½ tsp

5. Black Pepper – ½ tsp

6. Salt – as required

For the Pasta

1. Macaroni – 250g

2. Grated Cheese – 1½ cups

What Is So Special About Creamy Peri-Peri Macaroni?

The sautéed vegetables add sweetness and texture, while the peri-peri seasoning gives the creamy sauce a spicy kick. A generous amount of grated cheese melts through the macaroni, making it rich, creamy, and comforting.

Creamy, Spicy & Cheesy:

This is an easy everyday pasta that's packed with vegetables and finished with plenty of melted cheese.

How to Make Creamy Peri-Peri Macaroni

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

2. Add the chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant.

3. Add the mushrooms, sweet corn, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper.

4. Season lightly with salt.

5. Cook until the vegetables are tender but still retain some bite.

6. Remove from the pan and keep aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

1. In a separate pan, melt the butter.

2. Add the flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth roux.

3. Slowly add the milk while whisking continuously.

4. Continue cooking until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

5. Add peri-peri salt and black pepper.

6. Adjust the salt if required.

Step 3: Add the Macaroni & Vegetables

1. Cook the macaroni until al dente and drain.

2. Add the cooked macaroni to the creamy sauce.

3. Add the sautéed vegetables.

4. Mix everything together until evenly coated.

5. Add a generous amount of grated cheese.

6. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce.

Step 4: Serve

1. Transfer the creamy macaroni to a serving bowl.

2. Finish with extra grated cheese and peri-peri seasoning, if desired.

3. Serve hot.

Expert Tips

1. Cook the roux gently so the flour doesn't brown.

2. Add milk gradually while whisking to prevent lumps.

3. Don't overcook the vegetables—they should retain some texture.

4. Cook the macaroni just until al dente so it doesn't become mushy in the sauce.

5. Add the cheese while the sauce is hot so it melts smoothly.

6. Adjust the peri-peri salt according to your preferred spice level.

Recipe Card

Creamy Peri-Peri Macaroni

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Category

Main Course

Servings

3

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Make creamy Peri-Peri Macaroni loaded with mushrooms, sweet corn, colourful bell peppers, and plenty of cheese. A spicy, creamy, and comforting pasta perfect for an easy meal.

Author:

Samridh

Ingredients

Vegetables

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 4 garlic cloves

• 1 cup mushrooms

• ½ cup sweet corn

• ½ red bell pepper

• ½ yellow bell pepper

• ½ tsp salt

Creamy Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp maida

• 2 cups milk

• 1½ tsp peri-peri salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

Pasta

• 250g macaroni

• 1½ cups grated cheese

Directions

1. Sauté garlic, mushrooms, corn, and bell peppers in olive oil. Remove and keep aside.

2. Melt butter in another pan and whisk in the flour.

3. Gradually add milk while whisking until smooth and creamy.

4. Season with peri-peri salt and black pepper.

5. Add cooked macaroni and sautéed vegetables.

6. Add plenty of grated cheese and mix until melted and creamy.

7. Serve hot.

Recipe Note

Whisk the milk into the roux gradually for a smooth, lump-free sauce. Adding the cheese while the sauce is hot gives the macaroni a rich and creamy finish.