Creamy One Pot Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food you can whip up in under 20 minutes—no straining, no fuss, and no extra pans to wash. Everything cooks together in one pot, so the pasta soaks up all the rich, cheesy goodness for an ultra-creamy bite every time.
This recipe uses a trio of cheeses—sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, and savory Parmesan—to create a luxurious, velvety sauce. Cooking the macaroni directly in milk and water gives it a tender, almost buttery texture without overcooking. And with just a handful of pantry staples, you can go from craving to comfort in minutes.
Mac and cheese has been beloved for centuries, tracing its popularity back to the 18th century, when it was considered a decadent dish for special occasions. Today, it’s the go-to comfort meal for weeknights, gatherings, or a quick family dinner.
Serve it straight from the pot for that irresistible, gooey cheese pull—this is mac and cheese at its best.
Recipe Yield: 6 servings
INGREDIENTS
4 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
4 cups whole milk
2 tbsp unsalted butter
½ cup heavy cream
2 cups water
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp ground black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Combine and cook pasta:
In a large pot, add macaroni, milk, water, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
2. Simmer until tender:
Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
3. Add butter and cheese:
Stir in butter until melted, then gradually add cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan, mixing until smooth and creamy.
4. Finish with cream:
Pour in heavy cream and stir until sauce is velvety and coats every piece of pasta.
5. Serve hot:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce grainy; freshly grated melts smoother.
- Stir Frequently: Prevents pasta from sticking and ensures even cooking in the milk mixture.
- Customize the Cheese Blend: Swap Gruyère for Fontina or add a hint of blue cheese for a gourmet twist.
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