One Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese
A quick and easy stovetop version of mac and cheese made in one pot, featuring sharp cheddar and mozzarella for a creamy, cheesy delight.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni/pasta of your choice
- 3 cups water See notes for adjustments
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream Can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk
- 2.5 cups sharp cheddar, freshly grated For best results, use freshly grated cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella, freshly grated For best results, use freshly grated cheese
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ 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 all the cheese and gather your ingredients. Having everything ready will make cooking much easier.
Cooking the Pasta
- In a large pot, add the dried macaroni and pour in the water. Over medium-high heat, bring the pot to a boil.
- Once it's boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions or until it’s al dente.
Combine Ingredients
- Once the pasta is cooked, lower the heat to low. Allow most of the water to evaporate, but keep a little in the pot.
- Add the heavy whipping cream along with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, mustard, and sugar.
- Stir everything together until well combined and all the cheese has melted.
Final Adjustments
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For a kick, you can add more paprika or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper if you love spice.
Notes
To achieve the perfect texture, ensure the pasta is cooked al dente. If the mixture is too thick, add extra water or cream to reach desired consistency. Avoid using pre-shredded cheese as it may contain anti-caking agents.
