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Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

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This Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese takes just minutes to prepare, contains two types of cheese, and is creamy, hearty, and delicious!

This Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese takes just minutes to prepare, contains two types of cheese, and is creamy, hearty, and delicious! #pumpkinnspice #comfortfood #sidedish #macaroniandcheese #dinner #macandcheese

Even though winter and I aren’t the best of friends, it does bring me joy within the kitchen.

Sounds strange, but the cold weather gives me the perfect excuse to whip up some delicious and hearty meals. Not that I don’t do this in the warmer months, but with the weather being frigid, I get creative with those foods that warm you right up and make you forget about the cold and snow.

While no bean chili and soup rank right up there with some of my favorite dishes, some other meals that scream comfort food are this chicken fettuccine alfredo and spinach and mushroom pasta. Can you tell that I’m a sucker for decadent pasta dishes?
 This Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese takes just minutes to prepare, contains two types of cheese, and is creamy, hearty, and delicious! #pumpkinnspice #comfortfood #sidedish #macaroniandcheese #dinner #macandcheese

And nothing screams comfort food more than those dishes and this Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese. Since I’m all about foods that take just minutes to prepare during the week, while accompanying that comfort food appeal, mac ‘n cheese was the first food that I thought of.

This mac and cheese with heavy cream takes just minutes to prepare, contains two types of cheese, and is creamy, hearty, and delicious. Because you don’t have to sacrifice all that time in the kitchen, this mac ‘n cheese and pot pie dinner will be ready in no time!

This Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese takes just minutes to prepare, contains two types of cheese, and is creamy, hearty, and delicious! #pumpkinnspice #comfortfood #sidedish #macaroniandcheese #dinner #macandcheese

So let’s get down to business! The first step is to cook the noodles to al dente, drain and set aside. I chose to use cavatappi noodles, as I love the shape and thickness of them. But feel free to use whatever type of noodle you have on hand.

Now comes the fun part, making the creamy cheese sauce. Melt some butter in a large pot and then whisk in some flour, salt, and pepper. Slowly add in some heavy cream and milk, cooking until it bubbles. We’re going for creamy (and rich) macaroni and cheese, so the heavy cream is necessary!

Then reduce the heat to low and add in some shredded sharp cheddar cheese and shredded mozarella cheese. Stir until melted and then add the cavatappi noodles to pot. Stir until the noodles are coated and then let sit for five minutes to thicken up.

Once this Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese is ready, your delicious pot pie will be waiting for you, too. This is the ultimate comfort food meal, friends! So perfect for a cold winter night when you want something quick, easy, and delicious!

This Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese takes just minutes to prepare, contains two types of cheese, and is creamy, hearty, and delicious! #pumpkinnspice #comfortfood #sidedish #macaroniandcheese #dinner #macandcheese

Looking for more side dish recipes? I’ve got you covered!

Yields 6-8 servings

Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

This Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese takes just minutes to prepare, contains two types of cheese, and is creamy, hearty, and delicious.

20 minPrep Time

15 minCook Time

40 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 1 (16 ounces) pound cavatappi shells
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup milk, any kind (I used 2%)
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, cook noodles in boil water until al dente, per packaged directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium pot, melt butter. Then whisk in flour, salt, and pepper.
  3. Slowly add milk and heavy cream, whisking until combined.
  4. Heat mixture until it bubbles over medium heat.
  5. Reduce heat to low and add in cheeses. Stir until melted.
  6. Add pasta to cheese mixture and toss to combine.
  7. Let macaroni and cheese sit for five minutes to thicken.
  8. Enjoy!
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Reader Interactions

      • Hi! I just saw this on pinterest and it looks deliscous and simple enough. I want to make it but im not sure what "heavy cream" is. Im not the best cook.. pardon me. Is there a product labled heavy cream? What kind of cream? Where in the grocery isle will i find such cream

      • Hi Kiti! Heavy cream is also referred to as heavy whipping cream. You can find it near the milk, coffee creamer, and whipped cream in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. I usually buy half pints, but they also sell them by the half gallon, too. Hope this helps and you hope love this if you try it. Thanks for stopping by!

      • I made this yesterday and it was so simple to make and delicious!!!! This was by far the best mac and cheese I've had! Thanks for sharing!

      • I'm so glad you enjoyed this, Kiti! I really appreciate you letting me know how this turned out. Hope you have a great day!

    • Sorry for putting a reply on youhr comet but I don't know how to make a new comment. So to my question, is there anything I can use besides heavy whipping cream that will still work just as good
      Reply

      • Hi Mekleet! You could use milk, I would try either 2% or whole milk. It won't be as thick, but should be just as good. Hope you enjoy and thanks for stopping by!

  2. Gayle, this mac n cheese looks divine! I'm loving the thought of savoring it on a cold, winter Monday, thanks for sharing! I have a recipe that I'm used in the past that I love, but it has a couple of sticks of butter in that, and let's face it, that's gonna send me right to the gym. Thanks for sharing!!
    Reply

    • Thanks, Laura! This recipe isn't healthy by any means, but I do like that it doesn't call for too much butter. But...the heavy cream and cheese sorta make up for that! :)
      Reply

      • I don't know why, but I can see the ingredients but I can't see the recipe how to make it.. What do I have to do to see this?

      • Hi Axelle! The directions are right below the ingredients in the box towards the bottom of the recipe. I've included them here for you, just incase. Hope you love this if you try it, and thanks for stopping by! In a large pot, cook noodles in boil water until al dente, per packaged directions. Drain and set aside. In a medium pot, melt butter. Then whisk in flour, salt, and pepper. Slowly add milk and heavy cream, whisking until combined. Heat mixture until it bubbles over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and add in cheeses. Stir until melted. Add pasta to cheese mixture and toss to combine. Let macaroni and cheese sit for five minutes to thicken. Serve with your favorite Marie Callender's pot pie. Enjoy!

  6. I love mac n cheese! Before I started eating vegan I made mine very much like yours. So creamy and rich. Fortunately I've figured out how to make a vegan version that's actually really good! My husband and son will be at your house for dinner at 6:00 pm, does that work? :)
    Reply

  13. Oh man, Marie Calandar's pot pies were an absolute STAPLE in my house when I was growing up! I swear, my mom and I would fight over them ;). So delicious! And this creamy mac and cheese to go with it? GIRL! You are killing it ;)
    Reply

    • Aren't they the best? I just love pot pies when the weather gets colder. Thanks for the mac 'n cheese love, Christine!
      Reply

  17. Gayle!! oh my gawd, yes!! this is absolute perfect comfort food to me!!! Marie Callender’s pot pies and this Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese = perfection, esp on a cold winter day like today! it's snowing. . a lot!!
    Reply

  25. I've been craving mac n cheese like crazy these days and this one looks so creamy and delicious! I'm also a sucker for pot pie :) It is supposed to rain all day tomorrow and I'm thinking that it will have me craving some comfort food!
    Reply

  29. Macaroni and cheese has been one of my No. 1 pregnancy cravings -- I just can't get enough! This version looks delicious. I have a big ol' bag of Swiss cheese I've been meaning to use up . . . along with some cheddar. Might have to give this a whirl this week!
    Reply

  31. Oh my goodness Gayle!! This creamy stovetop mac and cheese looks too good for words!! Your pictures are absolutely stunning! I love easy one pot meals like this - perfect during this time of year :) Hope your week is off to a great week! Pinning :D
    Reply

  37. I'm a mac 'n cheese girl all the way, and this really does look SO creamy! This would be great in the summer time too when you don't want the oven on. Delicious!
    Reply

  42. I love Marie's pot pies, but I can't justify the fat grams...I have to "diet" all day to really enjoy them. Can't wait to try the mac and cheese recipe...love creaminess.
    Reply

    • I think you will love this mac 'n cheese, Nancy! It's creamy and rich, but so worth it! Thanks so much for stopping by!
      Reply

  43. It's a great base, but a bit tasteless. Wish there was a way to make the cheese stand out. It's so bland. The babies like it though so that's a + in its favor.
    Reply

    • I'm sorry you found it bland, Amy! It was very flavorful for me. You could always add in some garlic powder (my favorite seasoning), italian seasoning, or some mustard powder to liven it up a bit if you're looking for more spice.
      Reply

    • Hi Toby! I am so glad that you and your wife enjoyed this mac 'n cheese. It's my favorite dish, too! Thanks so much for stopping by!
      Reply

  47. We are not crazy about mac n cheese since I can't make it fit to eat but this looks like I could do. Am going to try. Thanks.
    Reply

    • I think you will love this mac n' cheese, Deniece! Thanks for stopping by and please let me know how it turns out!
      Reply

  48. I love this option for the summer times. Who wants to fire up the oven when it's hot out. NOT ME! Thank You!
    Reply

    • I definitely prefer cooking on the stovetop when it's hot outside, too! Thanks for stopping by, Donna! Hope you enjoy this recipe!
      Reply

      • Just got done making (and eating!) this. IT WAS AMAZING! I did sub a little more milk in, did about 3/4 cup of sharp cheddar, 3/4 cup of mild cheddar, and 2 slices of American cheese. It was so good. Yummy, filling, and just a perfect lunch for fall. May even cook some fish for dinner and use the leftovers as a side! Thanks for sharing this!

      • I'm so glad you liked it, Kat! It's a favorite in my household, too. Thanks so much for trying out the recipe and letting me know how it turned out. Enjoy your Sunday! :)

  50. Wow! Really good mac and cheese! I ended up tossing it in a casserole pan, topping with panko crumbs and baking for 15 minutes. Definitely a keeper! Even my 18 month old son, the carb snob, scoffed this down! I think this will replace my usual mac and cheese recipe!
    Reply

    • Thank you for the kind words, Jayne! I'm so glad you and your son liked this. I will have to try topping it with bread crumbs and baking it the next time I make this. Sounds delicious! Thanks for stopping by!
      Reply

  51. we loved this!!! It was a meal in itself. THIS is why I just can't bring myself to make or consume the box stuff!! In the same amount of time it takes to make the other you can have this OOOOOHHHH soooo much better version. Thanks for posting. Pinned!!
    Reply

    • I am so happy that this mac 'n cheese turned out well for you! It's a favorite of mine too. Thanks so much for stopping by and letting me know how it turned out! :)
      Reply

    • Hi Michelle! I've never tried using half & half in this recipe, so I'm not sure how it would turn out and can't say how good it would be. You could definitely try it, as it's in between milk and heavy cream. Hope you love it!
      Reply

    • Thanks for the kind words and for stopping by, Lily! I'm so glad you liked this mac 'n cheese. It's my favorite! And thank you for the tip about adding paprika or garlic salt...I'm definitely going to try that the next time I make this!
      Reply

  55. I made this tonight and while the texture and creaminess was perfect, my family and myself thought it was rather bland and lacking in flavor. I plan on making it again but with a stronger cheese, perhaps something smoked.
    Reply

    • Hi Samantha! I'm sorry that your family thought it was bland. A stronger cheese or more spices might definitely help with that. Thanks for letting me know!
      Reply

  56. Deliciously. And so easy to make. I just used milk and came out fine plus halved recipe. Thanks love your blog.
    Reply

    • I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe! It's one of my favorites. Thanks so much for stopping by and letting me know how it turned out!
      Reply

  57. For some reason, mine came out very "floury"- it ended up looking like batter. I dont know if that was due to the flour or what.
    Reply

    • Hi Mariya! I'm so sorry to hear that! I've never had a problem with the flour before. It's important to whisk it so that it's thoroughly combined. Have a great day!
      Reply

  58. Can you make this ahead of time and serve later? (Even let sit overnight) any suggestions? Want to make this for a party but it's not until tomorrow.
    Reply

    • Hi Ginny! I've never made this and let it sit, so I'm honestly not sure how it would turn out. If you made the dish ahead of time, the sauce might get gloppy, but again, I'm not sure. Sorry I can't give you a better answer. Thanks for stopping by!
      Reply

  59. My son and nephew were asking for Mac and cheese this morning and I didn't have any in the pantry (yes, twice a month I make them KD). I've tried many mac and cheese recipes and didn't love any of them so I starting searching for another recipe to try. I came across your recipe and loved the simplicity of it so I decided to give it a go. IT.WAS.A-MA-ZING.!!! Never before have I found a recipe that I didn't have to tweak in some way or add more flavor. This recipe is absolute perfection and my days of searching for the best mac and cheese recipe are over!
    Reply

    • Hi, Dar! I am SO happy to hear that you all loved this mac 'n cheese! It's one of my favorites, too! Thank you so much for letting me know and for stopping by!
      Reply

  60. This is literally the best I've ever had. Maybe add a little nutmeg to the cheese sauce, but otherwise it's perfection!
    Reply

    • Thank you so much for letting me know, Teal! Nutmeg is a great suggestion and I'm going to try that the next time I make this. Thanks for stopping by!
      Reply

  62. My boyfriend has been requesting Mac & Cheese, so I found this recipe and made it last night. It was amazing, I used elbow noodles since I already had them in my pantry and added a bit more cheese. We love cheese! It was delicious! Thanks for the recipe, I will be saving it :)
    Reply

    • I'm so glad you both loved this, Tabetha! It's a favorite of mine too. And yes to more cheese! :) Thanks for stopping by to let me know how it turned out!
      Reply

  63. I just made this Mac and cheese and it smells so good. I didn't have mozzarella cheese, so I used Gouda and oh my goodness, such a scrumptious smell. I didn't have heavy cream either and just used whole milk instead.
    Reply

    • Hi Cherie! I'm so glad you liked this mac 'n cheese! Your substitutions sound wonderful, especially the gouda! Thanks for stopping by and letting me know how it turned out!
      Reply

  64. I cant wait to make this!!! :) One question though. While we let the mac and cheese sit for 5 minutes is that on or off the burner?
    Reply

    • Hi Julianne! Great question...remove from heat and let it sit off the burner to thicken up. Hope you enjoy this and thanks for stopping by!
      Reply

    • Hi Bridget! You can definitely use milk in place of the cream, the sauce may just be a bit thinner. Hope you enjoy and thanks for stopping by!
      Reply

  66. I was craving some mac and cheese and normally I use the box stuff since I've rarely had success with home made recipes but this sounded even easy enough for me to try. Mind you, when I went to read the comments to see about how well it did or didn't work, I nearly gave up and moved on - the posts were inundated with "must try" "love mac and cheese" "pinning for later" "have to try"....that is soo freaking frustrating for those of us who want to know if it's worth making! FINALLY towards the end of the comments I started seeing actual reviews and it sounded like people were having luck with it so I gave it a shot. I'm soo glad I took that leap of faith - I can bake up a storm but cooking is not my strong suit so if I can make it anyone can lol. I had some crumbled bacon in the freezer so I fried up an onion, added the bacon and tossed in a handful of frozen peas to the cooking noodles and turned it into a main course. I will definitely make this again!
    Reply

    • I am so glad you tried this, Jane! I love the addition of bacon and peas...definitely trying that the next time. Thank you for stopping by and letting me know how it turned out!
      Reply

  67. I was nervous because most one-pot mac and cheeses don't taste like the really good recipes I crave but THIS is great! Super simple ingredients, quick, easy and tastes great!!!! Had I not spilled an entire bag of cheese on the floor, I would have been done and ready to eat it in no time lol.
    Reply

    • I'm so glad you liked this, Kelley! Haha I've totally done that too with cheese! :) Thanks for stopping by and letting me know how this turned out!
      Reply

  68. Any suggestions on the best cheese to use? Are you shredding the cheese yourself or do you buy bagged shredded cheese? I would assume this recipes requires shredding from the block. Looking forward to making this for Thanksgiving, as my two older kids do not like my baked mac n cheese anymore.
    Reply

    • Hi Tricia! I've actually only used the bagged shredded cheese, though shredding it from the block yourself would most likely make it a bit creamier (or so I've noticed when shredding cheese in other recipes). Either way, it will work! As for the kind of cheese, I use what is listed in the recipe ingredients, though I know other readers have commented that they've tried a different variety. Hope you enjoy this and have a happy Thanksgiving!
      Reply

  69. I just made this for our Thanksgiving meal, and everyone loved it. I used extra-sharp white cheddar and colby jack. I used a bit over half a 16 oz block of each, which is a little more than the recipe called for, but it was perfect.
    Reply

    • I'm so glad that you liked this, Juanita! And that's a great idea to use white cheddar and colby jack. Thanks so much for letting me know how it turned out!
      Reply

  70. It is amazingly creamy. However, I personally feel that adding equal parts mozzarella and cheddar really reduces the taste of the cheese. I'd suggest cutting the mozz in half and adding half a cup of gruyere. Or 1/2 gruyere, 1/2 pecorino romano, if you really want to be kicked in the face with cheese.
    Reply

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