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Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy Mac and Cheese

Print Recipe
This Creamy Mac and Cheese takes just minutes to prepare on the stovetop, contains two types of cheese, and is creamy, hearty, and delicious!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword macaroni and cheese recipe, stove top recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 467.59
Author Gayle

Ingredients

  • 1 pound cavatappi shells
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (SEE NOTE BELOW)
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup milk , any kind (I used 2%)
  • cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  • 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 (see note below), 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. If mixture is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons more milk and go from there.
  • Let macaroni and cheese sit for 5 minutes to thicken.

Notes

  • Some readers have said that ½ cup of flour is too much, while others love this mac 'n cheese with the ½ cup of flour. If you feel this is too much, decrease the amount of flour to ¼ cup.
  • To add more flavor to this mac 'n cheese, I like to add 2 teaspoons of garlic powder and a dash of paprika or ground nutmeg.
  • Looking for a more distinct cheesy taste? Use ¼ cup of shredded Parmesan or cheddar jack cheese, ¾ cup of shredded mozzarella, and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar.
  • See my tips and tricks for making this Creamy Macaroni and Cheese above the recipe box.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 467.59kcal | Carbohydrates: 36.03g | Protein: 12.22g | Fat: 30.71g | Saturated Fat: 18.79g | Cholesterol: 101.68mg | Sodium: 349.71mg | Potassium: 188.47mg | Fiber: 1.39g | Sugar: 3.28g | Vitamin A: 1113.71IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 174.61mg | Iron: 0.82mg