Rich N Cheesy Macaroni

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Rich N Cheesy Macaroni recipe—a luscious, creamy blend of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses that takes classic mac and cheese to new heights. Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni is smothered in a velvety, homemade cheese sauce crafted from a buttery roux, whole milk, and a touch of heavy cream for extra richness. Optional crunchy breadcrumbs add a golden baked topping, while a hint of paprika lends a subtle pop of flavor and color. Ready in under an hour and ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this irresistibly cheesy dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it piping hot and savor pure comfort in every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 500 grams Elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 4 cups Whole milk
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Paprika (optional, for garnish)
• 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes while whisking constantly, ensuring there are no lumps.

Step 3

Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and grated Parmesan, stirring until fully melted and creamy.

Step 5

Season the cheese sauce with salt, ground black pepper, and paprika (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 7

Optional: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 8

Serve hot, garnished with a light sprinkle of paprika if desired. Enjoy your Rich N Cheesy Macaroni!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2426.4 grams (2426.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6353

Total Fat 345.50g	443%
Saturated Fat 209.50g	1048%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.10g
Cholesterol 1012mg	337%
Sodium 8899mg	387%
Total Carbohydrate 505.00g	184%
Dietary Fiber 21.40g	76%
Total Sugars 68.00g
Protein 286.10g	572%

Vitamin D 501IU	2507%
Calcium 6273mg	483%
Iron 23mg	130%
Potassium 2167mg	46%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.6%

Protein: 18.2%

Carbs: 32.2%