Ultimate Creamy Mac and Cheese

Name: Ultimate Creamy Mac and Cheese
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 people
Ingredients: 2 cup Pasta; 2 tbsp Butter; 2 tbsp Flour; 1 cup Milk; 0.25 cup Cream Cheese; 3 slices American Cheese; 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese; 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder; 0.25 tsp Paprika; 0.5 tsp Salt; 0.25 tsp Black Pepper

VegetarianUnder 30 MinsStovetopLunch • DinnerComfort Food

Easy

20min

650kcal

2people

MACROS

per serving

※gProtein

◆gFat

▣gCarbs

◎gSugar

◇gFiber

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A rich, velvety stovetop macaroni and cheese made with a blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and American cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Welcome to the recipe for our Ultimate Creamy Mac and Cheese, a dish that redefines weeknight comfort food! If you have been searching for a velvety, rich, and foolproof stovetop macaroni and cheese, you have found the perfect recipe. The secret to this Ultimate Creamy Mac and Cheese lies in its incredibly smooth sauce, which uses a clever blend of cream cheese, American cheese, and processed mozzarella. While some purists insist on artisanal blocks of cheese, processed cheeses are actually a culinary secret weapon when it comes to melting. They contain special emulsifiers that prevent the sauce from breaking, separating, or becoming grainy, guaranteeing a luxurious, glossy finish every single time. This Ultimate Creamy Mac and Cheese comes together in just about 20 minutes, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights, quick lunches, or anytime you are craving something warm and nostalgic. You will start by cooking your pasta until just al dente, ensuring it holds its shape perfectly when enveloped in the rich sauce. The base of our sauce is a classic roux made from butter and flour, whisked with milk until perfectly thickened. Once you fold in the cheeses, the magic really happens—the cream cheese adds a slight tang that balances the richness, while the American and processed mozzarella melt into a gooey dream. A dash of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper elevates the flavor profile, adding just the right amount of savory depth. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure, unadulterated comfort!

Ingredients

200 g Pasta (about 2 cups dry)
30 g Butter (about 2 tbsp)
15 g Flour (about 2 tbsp)
240 ml Milk
60 g Cream Cheese (about ¼ cup)
60 g American Cheese (3 slices)
100 g Mozzarella Cheese (about 1 cup chopped or torn)
0.5 tsp Garlic Powder
0.25 tsp Paprika
0.5 tsp Salt
0.25 tsp Black Pepper

Instructions

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
In the same pot or a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute until lightly golden.
3
Gradually pour in the milk while continuously whisking to prevent any lumps from forming. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cream cheese, American cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
5
Add the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently until all the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is perfectly smooth.
6
Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, stirring well so every noodle is fully coated. Serve immediately while hot and creamy!

Chef's Tips

•Because you are using processed cheese, it will melt beautifully! The emulsifiers in processed cheese guarantee an ultra-smooth and creamy sauce without separating.
•If your cheese sauce is slightly too thick for your liking once melted, splash in a little extra milk until you reach your desired consistency.
•Undercook the pasta by about 1 minute so it doesn't become mushy when mixed into the hot cheese sauce.

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