Introduction

This creamy mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, boasting a rich and velvety cheese sauce that coats every bite of tender elbow macaroni. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a satisfying side dish, it’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

The Creamiest Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

8 oz. elbow macaroni pasta
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 oz. cream cheese
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, melt the unsalted butter in a medium pot over medium heat.
Step 3: Whisk in the all-purpose flour until the mixture is smooth, creating a roux.
Step 4: Slowly pour in the heavy whipping cream while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue stirring for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Add the shredded sharp cheddar, shredded mozzarella, cream cheese, salt, and black pepper to the cream mixture. Whisk until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 6: Pour the cheese sauce over the drained macaroni and stir gently until the pasta is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.

Tips & Variations

Use a blend of cheeses like gouda or gruyere to add depth of flavor.
For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and broil for 2-3 minutes before serving.
To make it lighter, substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk.
Add cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for an extra savory twist.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, other small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or cavatappi work great as they hold the cheese sauce well.

How can I prevent my mac and cheese from becoming grainy?

Make sure to melt the cheese slowly over low to medium heat and whisk constantly. Using freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded can also improve texture, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.

The Creamiest Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 57 reviews

This Creamiest Mac and Cheese Recipe delivers a rich, velvety texture with a blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese. Made with elbow macaroni and a creamy sauce thickened with butter, flour, and heavy cream, it’s a comforting classic perfect for any occasion.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 oz. elbow macaroni pasta

Sauce

2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 and ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 oz. cream cheese
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. black pepper

Instructions

Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Melt the butter: In a medium pot over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter completely to prepare for the sauce base.
Add the flour: Whisk in the all-purpose flour continuously until the mixture is smooth and forms a roux without lumps.
Incorporate the heavy cream: Slowly pour in the heavy whipping cream while whisking vigorously to prevent any lumps. Continue to stir for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens.
Add the cheeses and seasoning: Add the shredded sharp cheddar, shredded mozzarella, cream cheese, salt, and black pepper to the thickened cream sauce. Whisk continuously until all the cheeses melt smoothly into the sauce.
Combine pasta and sauce: Pour the cheesy sauce over the drained elbow macaroni. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy cheese mixture. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of milk if the sauce becomes too thick.
Feel free to add a pinch of paprika or mustard powder for a flavor boost.
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, elbow macaroni recipe, comfort food, cheese sauce, homemade mac and cheese