Creamy Mac and Cheese Ultimate Comfort Delight
This creamy mac and cheese recipe is quick to prepare on the stovetop and delivers a rich, cheesy flavor. It’s a wonderful addition to your macaroni cheese recipes and perfect as a hearty side dish everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound cavatappi shells
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (see note below)
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup milk any kind or 2%
- 1¼ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Boil the noodles in a large pot until they are cooked al dente according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a medium pot, melt the butter and stir in the flour, salt, and pepper to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, heating the mixture until it begins to bubble and thickens slightly over medium heat.
- Lower the heat and stir in both cheeses until they are fully melted and smooth.
- Mix the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, tossing to combine. Add extra milk if the sauce is too thick.
- Allow the mac and cheese to rest for 5 minutes to set and thicken before serving.
Notes
- The original recipe used ½ cup flour but was reduced to ¼ cup based on feedback
- To enhance flavor, consider adding 2-3 teaspoons garlic powder and a pinch of paprika or nutmeg
- For a cheesier taste, substitute part of the mozzarella with Parmesan or cheddar jack cheese as preferred
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 467.59kcal
- Sugar: 3.28g
- Sodium: 349.71mg
- Fat: 30.71g
- Saturated Fat: 18.79g
- Carbohydrates: 36.03g
- Fiber: 1.39g
- Protein: 12.22g
- Cholesterol: 101.68mg
Find it online: https://www.amgroyal.com/creamy-mac-and-cheese/