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Thomas Baker

Creamy Mac and Cheese Ultimate Comfort Delight

This Creamy Mac and Cheese is a quick and delightful recipe perfect for any occasion. Featuring two types of cheese and a luxuriously smooth sauce, it's a standout among Macaroni Cheese Recipes. Enjoy a Stovetop Mac And Cheese that's creamy, hearty, and cooked to al dente perfection. A true Creamy Macaroni And Cheese that will become your go-to comfort meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 467.59
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cavatappi shells until tender but still firm to the bite according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. In a separate medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, salt, and black pepper, whisking constantly to form a smooth, bubbly roux without lumps.
  3. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking all the while, and heat the mixture gently until it begins to simmer and thickens slightly.
  4. Lower the heat to the smallest setting and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until they are fully melted and the sauce is silky smooth.
  5. Add the cooked cavatappi pasta to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat every piece. If the sauce appears too thick, mix in an additional 1 or 2 tablespoons of milk until you reach the desired consistency.
  6. Allow the mac and cheese to rest for about 5 minutes so the sauce can thicken and flavors meld together before serving.

Notes

  • The recipe initially called for ½ cup of flour, but reducing it to ¼ cup gives a creamier texture. Feel free to explore variations like queso mac and cheese, garlic parmesan mac and cheese, or meatball mac and cheese for different takes. For richer flavor, try adding 2-3 teaspoons of garlic powder or a sprinkle of paprika, or swap in Parmesan cheese for a sharper taste. Check above the recipe for helpful tips and tricks.