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One Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese (Stovetop) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 105 reviews

This One Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese is an easy, comforting stovetop recipe that combines tender macaroni pasta with a rich blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, seasoned with garlic, onion, paprika, and a touch of mustard and sugar for a flavorful twist. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it delivers creamy, cheesy goodness with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni and Base

  • 2 cups uncooked macaroni or pasta of your choice
  • 3 cups water
  • 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Cheese

  • 2.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, freshly grated

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1.5 tablespoons paprika (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon mustard
  • 1.5 teaspoons sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Grate the sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and measure out all other ingredients. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.
  2. Cook Pasta: In a large pot, add the uncooked macaroni and pour in 3 cups of water. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low to cook the pasta gently.
  3. Simmer Until Al Dente: Continue cooking the pasta according to package instructions or until it reaches al dente texture. Lower the heat to low once the pasta is almost ready. Allow most of the water to evaporate, leaving just a small amount in the pot to help create a creamy sauce.
  4. Add Cream and Seasonings: Pour in the heavy whipping cream along with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, mustard, and sugar. Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
  5. Melt Cheese and Combine: Add the grated cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the pot. Stir continuously over low heat until all the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the mac and cheese hot straight from the pot for the best creamy texture and flavor. Enjoy this comforting classic as a main or side dish.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting texture and flavor.
  • The amount of water can be slightly adjusted depending on pasta type and desired creaminess.
  • Cooking the pasta directly in water in the pot saves on rinsing and draining, making this a true one-pot meal.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with whole milk, but the sauce may be less rich.
  • Adjust paprika levels based on your preferred spice intensity.

Keywords: one pot mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, stovetop mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese recipe, cheddar mozzarella mac and cheese

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