Description

This One Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe offers a rich and comforting meal made entirely on the stovetop. By cooking macaroni directly in water and then stirring in a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses with cream and flavorful spices, it delivers a smooth, cheesy, and deeply satisfying dish with minimal cleanup. Ideal for a quick dinner, this recipe showcases how to create velvety mac and cheese without multiple pots or baking time.

Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni and Cooking Liquid

2 cups uncooked macaroni or pasta of your choice
3 cups water (see notes)

Cheese and Dairy

3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
2.5 cups sharp cheddar, freshly grated
2 cups mozzarella, freshly grated

Seasonings

1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1.5 tbsp paprika (adjust to taste)
1 tsp mustard powder
1.5 tsp sugar

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Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Grate the sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and gather all other ingredients to have them ready for cooking.
Cook Pasta: In a pot, combine the uncooked macaroni with 3 cups of water. Place over medium-high heat and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the pasta according to package instructions or until it reaches al dente texture.
Simmer and Evaporate Excess Water: After the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Let most of the cooking water evaporate but keep a small amount of liquid remaining in the pot to help create a creamy sauce. If the water evaporates completely before the pasta is fully cooked, add a little more water and continue cooking gently.
Add Cream, Cheese, and Seasonings: Stir in the heavy whipping cream, sharp cheddar, mozzarella, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, mustard, and sugar. Mix thoroughly until all the cheese has melted into a smooth, creamy sauce and the seasonings are well incorporated.
Finish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve the mac and cheese hot for the best creamy and comforting experience. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

The amount of water used to cook the pasta should be at least 1–2 cups more than the amount of pasta to ensure proper cooking.
You can adjust the cheese types and quantities to your preference, using your favorite blend for different flavors.
Adding sugar balances the flavor without making the dish sweet.
If the pasta water evaporates before the pasta is fully cooked, add more water as needed and reduce the heat to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/2 recipe)
Calories: 650 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 850 mg
Fat: 40 g
Saturated Fat: 23 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 55 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 120 mg