Ultra Creamy Mac and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Ultra Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe, a decadent twist on the classic dish that's irresistibly rich and flavorful. Featuring a velvety cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyere, and savory Parmesan, this dish gets its creamy texture from the perfect balance of whole milk and heavy cream. A hint of paprika and garlic powder adds a subtle depth of flavor, elevating every bite. Whether as a cozy weeknight dinner or a star side dish for special occasions, this quick 35-minute recipe is sure to impress. Serve it hot and creamy for the ultimate pasta experience that's bound to become a family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 oz Elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 3 cups Whole milk
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Ground black pepper
• 0.5 tsp Paprika
• 0.25 tsp Garlic powder

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is lightly golden.

Step 3

Gradually add the milk and heavy cream to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5

Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Step 6

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in the saucepan. Stir until the pasta is fully coated and the mixture is heated through.

Step 7

Serve immediately for the creamiest result, garnished with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1929.2 grams (1929.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5167

Total Fat 291.90g	374%
Saturated Fat 173.70g	868%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.80g
Cholesterol 892mg	297%
Sodium 6328mg	275%
Total Carbohydrate 409.70g	149%
Dietary Fiber 17.60g	63%
Total Sugars 51.60g
Protein 211.90g	424%

Vitamin D 394IU	1971%
Calcium 4484mg	345%
Iron 20mg	111%
Potassium 1501mg	32%

*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: 51.4%

Protein: 16.6%

Carbs: 32.0%