Description

Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Creamiest Mac and Cheese recipe, featuring a velvety blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese enveloping perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. The rich, creamy sauce is thickened with a butter and flour roux and heavy cream, delivering indulgent cheesy goodness in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 oz. elbow macaroni pasta

Cheese Sauce

2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 and ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 oz. cream cheese
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. black pepper

Instructions

Cook the Macaroni: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the macaroni well and set aside.
Prepare the Roux: While the pasta cooks, melt the unsalted butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour continuously, stirring until you form a smooth paste without lumps.
Add Heavy Cream: Gradually pour in the heavy whipping cream while whisking nonstop to prevent lumps. Continue to stir the mixture gently for a couple of minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
Melt the Cheese: Add the shredded sharp cheddar, shredded mozzarella, and cream cheese to the thickened cream mixture. Also, season with salt and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until all cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the luscious cheese sauce over the drained elbow macaroni in the large pot or a mixing bowl. Stir well until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the mac and cheese and add more salt or pepper if desired to suit your preference. Serve hot for a decadent, comforting meal.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and creamier texture.
For extra richness, you can substitute part of the heavy cream with whole milk, but cream provides the best luxurious texture.
Feel free to add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce for a subtle flavor twist.
To bake a crunchy topping, transfer mac and cheese into a baking dish, top with extra shredded cheddar and breadcrumbs, then bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until golden.
This recipe serves about 4 people as a main or 6 as a side dish.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, elbow macaroni recipe, cheesy pasta, comfort food, cheddar cheese pasta