Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe for a Comforting Meal

HB Test Kitchen

Indulge in the Richness of Creamy Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is the ultimate winner, whether you’re just chilling on a weeknight or treating yourself on a lazy Sunday. The gooey cheese and pasta combo is always a hit, satisfying folks of all ages. It’s no surprise that mac and cheese is everyone’s go-to comfort food!

Yield: Serves 4

PREP TIME: 10 minutes + COOK TIME: 25-30 minutes
= TOTAL TIME: 35-40 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Creamy Mac and Cheese

Hollywood Beat magazine Test Kitchen

AI extra creamy elbow mac and cheese in dark grey baking dish

Macaroni and cheese is always a winner!

Savor this comforting and flavorful macaroni meal that is creamy and cheesy. A silky cheese sauce made from rich cream and a mix of cheeses covers well cooked elbow macaroni. This meal will fulfill your hunger and wow your guests—bake it till golden and bubbling!

Yield: Serves 4 | Difficulty: Easy

PREP TIME: 10 minutes + COOK TIME: 25-30 minutes = TOTAL TIME: 35-40 minutes

Ingredients:

8 oz elbow macaroni, about 2 1/4 cups of uncooked pasta
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika (for garnish, optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions, about 12 minutes; drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute.
Gradually pour in heavy cream, whisking until smooth and thickened.
Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.
Remove from heat and add cheddar, mozzarella, and half of the parmesan cheese, stirring until melted.
Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing well.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with remaining Parmesan cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Take the mac and cheese out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
Garnish with chopped parsley and paprika if desired. Serve hot!

Tips & Substitutions:

Is Heavy Cream Necessary?
Yes, if you want your mac and cheese really creamy and rich.

If you’d prefer a less decadent mac and cheese, then no. Replace 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream with 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of milk.

Cheese options

Colby & Monterey Jack in place of the mozzarella cheese
Velveeta in place of the Parmesan cheese
Smoked cheddar cheese in place of the sharp cheddar cheese

Pasta
Pasta should be cooked for no more than 12 minutes. Since the pasta will be baked in the oven, which will help it cook through, you don’t want to overcook it. To season your pasta, don’t forget to add salt to the cooking water.