Easy Creamy Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Easy Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe, a luscious blend of three cheeses—cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan—melted into a velvety sauce that clings perfectly to tender elbow macaroni. With just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, this quick classic is an ideal weeknight dinner or side dish. The homemade roux-based sauce, enriched with a mix of milk and heavy cream, delivers an irresistibly smooth and rich texture, while seasonings like garlic powder and a touch of paprika elevate each bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving something cozy, this one-pot mac and cheese promises a restaurant-quality experience in the comfort of your kitchen.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoons paprika (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and lightly golden.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, making sure there are no lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese, one handful at a time, allowing each addition to fully melt before adding the next.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently stir to combine. Ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Serve hot in bowls or plates. If desired, sprinkle with a light dusting of paprika for added color and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
966 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 64.0 g | 82% | |
| Saturated Fat | 39.4 g | 197% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 196 mg | 65% | |
| Sodium | 1453 mg | 63% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 55.7 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.9 g | ||
| Protein | 40.9 g | 82% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.7 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 980 mg | 75% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 241 mg | 5% | |
*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.
