Creamy One Pot Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this *Creamy One Pot Macaroni and Cheese*! This irresistibly rich and velvety dish comes together in just 25 minutes, using simple ingredients all cooked in a single pot—no draining required! Featuring tender elbow macaroni smothered in a luscious, homemade cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and creamy cubes of cream cheese, every bite is bursting with bold, cheesy flavor. A touch of ground mustard adds a subtle tang, while optional paprika makes for a beautifully vibrant garnish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or as a satisfying side dish, this recipe is a quick and mess-free way to enjoy classic mac and cheese with a gourmet twist.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 tablespoons cream cheese, cubed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons ground mustard (optional)
- 0.25 teaspoons paprika (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Place a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and melt the butter.
Add the flour to the melted butter, whisking continuously to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is pale golden and has a slightly nutty aroma.
Slowly pour in the milk and water, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the salt, black pepper, and ground mustard (if using).
Add the uncooked macaroni to the pot. Stir to ensure the pasta is evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid.
Allow the pasta to cook while stirring frequently to prevent sticking, about 10-12 minutes, or until tender and the liquid has thickened slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and cream cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of paprika, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
692 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 40.0 g | 51% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.0 g | 125% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 122 mg | 41% | |
| Sodium | 1286 mg | 56% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 54.0 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.5 g | ||
| Protein | 34.5 g | 69% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.9 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 793 mg | 61% | |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 310 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
