The first time I smelled bubbling cheddar on the stove, I was four, barefoot, and wearing a wild purple tutu. That golden, gooey scent meant one thingcomfort was coming. No wonder creamy mac and cheese is blowing up on TikTok and every cozy corner of the internet.
This stovetop darling is made with just tender pasta, melty cheddar, and a splash of milk magic. Pantry-friendly? Yep. Creamy enough to make your spoon stand up? Absolutely. It’s like grandma’s classic, but weeknight-simple and ready in minutes. Full details in the blog!
We’ve tested this one a dozen waysover-boiled it, under-salted it, even forgot the milk once (oops). But that’s how the magic happens. It’s been stirred, tasted, and loved by my whole crew. I tweaked the elbows off it. You’ll love the secret!
This creamy mac and cheese recipe is quick to prepare on the stovetop and delivers a rich, cheesy flavor. It’s a wonderful addition to your macaroni cheese recipes and perfect as a hearty side dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
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 or 2%
1¼ cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Boil the noodles in a large pot until they are cooked al dente according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
In a medium pot, melt the butter and stir in the flour, salt, and pepper to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, heating the mixture until it begins to bubble and thickens slightly over medium heat.
Lower the heat and stir in both cheeses until they are fully melted and smooth.
Mix the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, tossing to combine. Add extra milk if the sauce is too thick.
Allow the mac and cheese to rest for 5 minutes to set and thicken before serving.
Notes
The original recipe used ½ cup flour but was reduced to ¼ cup based on feedback
To enhance flavor, consider adding 2-3 teaspoons garlic powder and a pinch of paprika or nutmeg
For a cheesier taste, substitute part of the mozzarella with Parmesan or cheddar jack cheese as preferred
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Category:Side Dish
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Nutrition
Serving Size:1 serving
Calories:467.59kcal
Sugar:3.28g
Sodium:349.71mg
Fat:30.71g
Saturated Fat:18.79g
Carbohydrates:36.03g
Fiber:1.39g
Protein:12.22g
Cholesterol:101.68mg
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Mac and Cheese
There’s nothing quite like the warm, gooey hug of homemade mac and cheese. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, but without requiring an entire afternoon. It’s made completely on the stovetop, so there’s no baking step to slow you down.
What makes this dish truly special? For starters, it’s all about texture. Tender, perfectly al dente cavatappi coated in the creamiest, cheesiest sauce imaginable. Plus, with two types of cheesessharp cheddar and melty mozzarellait strikes the perfect balance of bold flavor and buttery smoothness. If you’re looking for the best mac and cheese for weeknights or special dinners, you’ve just found it!
With pantry-friendly ingredients and easy prep, anyone can pull this off. Whether it’s a last-minute win for family dinner or your ultimate side dish recipe for holiday meals, this recipe has your back.
Ingredients Breakdown
This creamy mac and cheese keeps it classic with just a few kitchen staples. Here’s a quick guide to what makes the magic happen:
Cavatappi or shells: Their fun twisty shapes are perfect for holding onto all that luscious cheese sauce.
Butter, flour, milk, and heavy cream: These are the essential building blocks, creating a velvety roux base that’s both indulgent and dreamy.
Sharp cheddar cheese: The secret to bold, tangy flavor. For the best flavor and melt, shred your cheddar fresh.
Mozzarella cheese: For ultimate melty perfection. It gives that irresistible stringy pull everyone loves.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that brings the whole thing together beautifully.
Pro Tip: Don’t bother with pre-shredded cheese! It’s coated in anti-caking agents, which can lead to a gritty texture instead of smooth, creamy bliss.
Step-by-Step Instructions
If you’ve ever been intimidated by stovetop mac and cheese recipes, fear not! The steps here are simple, forgiving, and beginner-friendly. Let’s break it down:
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil, then toss in your cavatappi or shells. Cook until al dentejust tender enough to bite, without being mushy. Drain, rinse quickly to stop the cooking, and set aside.
Make the roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, salt, and pepper until smooth and golden.
Build the sauce: Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Keep whisking steadily until the mixture thickens slightly and bubbles. Lower the heat, stir in both types of cheese as they melt into a rich, velvety sauce.
Combine: Add your drained pasta into the sauce pot and gently toss until every piece of pasta is coated in cheesy goodness. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in an extra splash of milk to loosen things up.
Pro Tip: For the best texture, let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set up and cling to the pasta even better!
Easy Customizations
Craving just a little something extra? Macaroni and cheese recipes like this are endlessly adaptable! Try these simple twists to make it your own:
Add spices: A pinch of smoked paprika, garlic powder, or a dash of nutmeg can bring an exciting depth of flavor.
Mix the cheeses: Swap in parmesan, gouda, or a blend of your favorites for a unique flavor profile.
Boost the protein: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken, crumbled bacon, or even cooked ground turkey to make it a hearty meal.
Shortcut: Short on time? Use pre-cooked pasta from the fridge. Heat it briefly in hot water before tossing it in the cheese sauce!
Ingredient
Possible Swaps
Cavatappi or shells
Elbow macaroni, penne, rotini
Milk
Half-and-half, unsweetened almond milk
Sharp cheddar
Parmesan, gouda, Colby jack
How to Serve & Store
Your creamy mac and cheese is best served fresh out of the pot with its irresistible cheesy pull. It’s pure joy on its own, but here’s how to elevate the experience:
Main dish: Enjoy it warm as a cozy, comforting meal. Pair with a simple green salad or steamed veggies for balance.
Side dish: Serve alongside fried chicken, meatloaf, or roasted veggies for the ultimate classic pairing.
Storage Tips: Got leftovers? Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with an extra splash of milk to revive that creamy texture.
Achieving the perfect creamy mac and cheese relies on the balance between starch from the pasta and the melted cheese proteins. Gently heating the cheese prevents separation, ensuring a smooth, velvety texture. Using a combination of cheeses with varying moisture and fat content can enhance both flavor and creaminess in the final dish.
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The Journey to the Creamy Mac and Cheese I Finally Nailed
After many attemptssome ending in a too-runny sauce and others oddly grainyI finally got my creamy mac and cheese just right. It took time and a few kitchen messes, but this recipe brings all the comfort I wanted, with a smooth, cheesy sauce that my family keeps asking for again and again.
FAQs ( Creamy Mac and Cheese )
How do I get a creamy texture without baking?
Using a combination of milk and cheese melted slowly on the stovetop helps achieve a smooth and creamy sauce. Constant stirring prevents lumps, and adding a touch of butter or cream cheese enhances richness. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from breaking.
What is the best pasta to use?
Classic elbow macaroni works best for consistency and sauce cling, but other small shapes like shells or cavatappi can also work well. Aim to cook the pasta al dente to maintain a nice bite after mixing with the sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This meal is best served fresh for creamy texture, but you can prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk, stirring until smooth. Avoid microwave reheating to keep the sauce from drying out.
How can I make it more flavorful?
Incorporate a pinch of smoked paprika, garlic powder, or Dijon mustard to elevate the sauce. Using a mix of sharp and mild cheeses creates depth. Fresh cracked pepper and a dash of hot sauce can also enhance the taste without overpowering.
What are good side dishes to serve with this meal?
This dish pairs well with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli. Lighter side dish recipes balance the creaminess, making the meal well-rounded. Garlic bread or sautéed greens also complement the flavors nicely.
Conclusion
Whipping up this creamy mac and cheese takes just about 30 minutes, with a result of pure comfort in every bite. You’ll love how the sauce clings to perfectly al dente pasta with that rich, velvety melt that fills the kitchen with cheesy warmth. It’s an easy, cozy meal that feels like a hug.
For a little extra flair, try stirring in a pinch of smoked paprika or swap sharp cheddar for a nutty gouda to customize the flavor. Leftovers reheat beautifullyjust add a splash of milk on the stovetop to bring back that creamy magic. This trick, borrowed from my aunt’s kitchen, always saves the day when time’s tight but comfort calls.
Did this recipe bring back any nostalgic food memories for you? I’d love to see your cheesy creations or hear about your family’s favorite twist! Save this for those moments when you crave a timeless, comforting mac and cheese dish made with love. Cozy up, share the joy, and enjoy!
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
