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One Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe

4.9 from 103 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This One Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a rich, cheesy, and comforting meal cooked entirely on the stovetop. Combining sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses with perfectly cooked macaroni, this dish is seasoned with garlic, onion powder, paprika, mustard, and a touch of sugar to enhance its flavor. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s an ideal homestyle dinner that’s creamy, flavorful, and served hot straight from the pot.

Ingredients

Scale

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, freshly grated
  • 2 cups mozzarella, 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

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Grate the sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and have all your seasonings and liquids measured and ready to go.
  2. Cook Pasta: In a pot, add the uncooked macaroni and pour in the 3 cups of water. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low.
  3. Simmer Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions or until just al dente, stirring occasionally. Keep the heat low enough so that most of the water evaporates but leaves a slight amount of liquid in the pot to help create creaminess.
  4. Add Cheese and Seasonings: Lower the heat to low, then add the heavy whipping cream, grated sharp cheddar, mozzarella, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, mustard, and sugar. Stir thoroughly until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is creamy and well combined.
  5. Adjust and Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately while hot for the creamiest texture and best flavor.

Notes

  • The amount of water used should be at least 1-2 cups more than the amount of pasta to allow proper cooking and absorption.
  • You can customize the cheese blend according to your preference; different cheeses affect flavor and creaminess.
  • The sugar balances the flavors and prevents bitterness, without making the dish sweet.
  • If the water evaporates before the pasta is fully cooked, add a small amount of water and continue cooking on low heat.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 cup)
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 860 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 125 mg

Find it online: https://jessicasrecipes.com/one-pot-creamy-mac-and-cheese-recipe/