Description
Comfort meets convenience in this irresistible One Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese that delivers rich, cheesy goodness without the hassle. Cheese lovers will savor each silky bite, making weeknight dinners deliciously simple and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 2 cups (200 grams) elbow macaroni or favorite pasta
Dairy Products:
- 2 ½ cups (600 milliliters) whole milk (or 2% milk)
- 2 cups (200 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (50 grams) shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter
Seasonings and Spices:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) water
Instructions
- Gather a spacious cooking vessel and pour in the macaroni, accompanied by milk, water, and aromatic seasonings like garlic powder and smoked paprika.
- Position the pot on medium heat, initiating a gentle simmering process while continuously stirring to ensure the pasta remains free from adhering to the cookware’s base.
- Allow the liquid to gradually absorb into the pasta, creating a creamy foundation and preventing any potential scorching.
- As the pasta approaches tenderness, reduce the heat and incorporate shredded cheddar and monterey jack cheeses, gently folding them into the mixture.
- Stir methodically to facilitate smooth cheese melting, transforming the dish into a luxuriously velvety texture.
- Once the cheese fully integrates and coats each pasta strand, remove from heat and let the mac and cheese rest momentarily.
- The residual warmth will continue to thicken the sauce, creating a decadent, glossy consistency.
- For enhanced richness, consider adding a final sprinkle of additional cheese or a dash of black pepper before serving.
- Transfer to serving dishes immediately, ensuring the mac and cheese remains warm and invitingly creamy.
Notes
- Select elbow macaroni or small pasta shapes with similar cooking times to ensure even cooking and creamy texture.
- Use whole milk for richer, more luxurious mac and cheese, or substitute with half-and-half for extra indulgence.
- Add a splash of hot sauce or mustard powder to enhance the cheese flavor and give a subtle tangy kick.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or monterey jack for more complex flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 496
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 603mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 73mg