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Creamy Mac and Cheese

Creamy Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate One-Pot Comfort Dish

Creamy Mac and Cheese is the perfect one-pot comfort food that combines simple ingredients for a delicious and quick meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups uncooked macaroni You can substitute with any pasta you adore.
  • 4 cups water For boiling pasta.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream Can be swapped for half-and-half.
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar Freshly grated for best melting.
  • 1 cup mozzarella Freshly grated for that stretchy quality.
For Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt Adjust according to taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper Omit for a gentler flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Can replace with 1-2 cloves fresh garlic.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder Adjust based on preferences.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika Adjust amount to suit taste.
  • 1 teaspoon mustard Omit for simpler taste.
  • 1 teaspoon sugar Optional, to tame acidity.

Equipment

  • Large Pot

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Start by grating your sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese, setting them aside for later.
  2. In a large pot, combine the uncooked macaroni and about 4 cups of water.
  3. Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
  4. Let the pasta cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
  5. Carefully drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.
  6. Lower the heat to medium-low and return the drained pasta to the pot.
  7. Pour in the heavy whipping cream, then add your prepared cheeses.
  8. Stir gently to combine and watch the cheese melt into a creamy sauce.
  9. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and optional mustard and sugar.
  10. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated and the sauce has thickened.
  11. Remove from heat and serve hot, optionally garnished.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 15gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 300mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.

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