One Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that simplifies meal preparation without sacrificing flavor. This dish combines the creamy richness of cheese with perfectly cooked pasta all in one pot! Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is both easy to make and deeply satisfying.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 720
Protein: 36g
Carbohydrates: 56g
Fat: 44g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 960mg
Why Make One Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
One Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe is not just delicious; it’s versatile, too. You can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a creamy and cheesy dish ready in no time. It’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies or proteins, providing a wholesome meal that the whole family will love.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe Step by Step
Ingredients
2 cups uncooked macaroni or pasta of your choice,
3 cups water,
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream,
2.5 cups sharp cheddar, freshly grated,
2 cups mozzarella, freshly grated,
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
Directions
Grate the sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and have all your seasonings and liquids measured and ready to go. 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. 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. 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. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately while hot for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
For a delightful meal, serve One Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. You can also pair it with grilled vegetables or a light tomato soup for a comforting combo. Feeling adventurous? Add crispy bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms on top for added flavor and texture!
How to Store One Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Store any leftovers of One Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. If you want to freeze the leftovers, portion them out in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Expert Tips for Cooking One Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of paprika for desired spice levels.
- Stir occasionally when cooking pasta to prevent sticking.
- For a sharper taste, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Don’t skip the mustard; it enhances the flavor profile wonderfully!
Delicious Variations of One Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Spicy Mac: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give it a kick.
- Herbed Mac: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for an aromatic twist.
- Veggie Mac: Toss in cooked broccoli or spinach for added nutrition and color.
Conclusion
One Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings joy to any table. Its richness and ease make it a go-to recipe for families and busy individuals alike. Give it a try and discover your new favorite comfort food!
One Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Pasta Base
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni or pasta of your choice
- 3 cups water
Creamy Mixture
- 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 pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1.5 tbsp paprika adjust to taste
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1.5 tsp sugar
Instructions
Preparation
- Grate the sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and have all your seasonings and liquids measured and ready to go.
- 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. 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.
Cooking
- 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.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve immediately while hot for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
