Description
Enjoy a rich and creamy homemade Mac and Cheese made effortlessly in one pot on the stovetop. This recipe features a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses combined with aromatic spices and cream, delivering a comforting and cheesy pasta dish perfect for a quick main course.
Ingredients
Pasta and Liquids
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni or pasta of your choice
- 3 cups water
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
Cheese
- 2.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1.5 tbsp paprika (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1.5 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Grate the sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and measure out all spices and liquids so everything is ready to go before cooking.
- Cook Pasta: In a pot, add the dried macaroni pasta and pour in 3 cups of water. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and cook the pasta according to the package instructions or until al dente. Monitor the water level to ensure some liquid remains but most has evaporated.
- Combine and Melt Cheese: Lower the heat to low and add the heavy cream, grated cheeses, and all the seasonings—salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, mustard, and sugar—to the pot. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy and well combined. Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Serve: Best enjoyed immediately while hot. Serve as a comforting main dish or side.
Notes
- The amount of water used to cook the pasta should be at least 1-2 cups more than the amount of pasta to prevent burning.
- You can customize the cheese combination according to your preference for different flavors and textures.
- The sugar helps balance the flavors without making the dish sweet.
- If the water evaporates too quickly before the pasta is fully cooked, add a little more water and reduce heat to continue cooking without burning.
