This creamy stovetop mac and cheese is a quick and easy comfort food classic. Made with just a handful of ingredients, it delivers a rich, velvety cheese sauce over tender pasta, making it a satisfying dish for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
Comforting: Creamy, cheesy goodness that feels indulgent without any complex steps.
Kid-Friendly: A simple recipe that’s sure to be loved by the whole family.
Customizable You can add extra ingredients like veggies, or different cheeses to suit your tastes.
Minimal Cleanup: One-pot cooking means less mess to clean up after dinner.

Ingredients

Cavatappi shells
Unsalted butter
All-purpose flour
Salt and pepper
Milk
Heavy whipping cream
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the cavatappi shells according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Slowly add the milk and heavy cream, stirring until the mixture starts to bubble and thicken.
Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella until fully melted.
Add the cooked pasta and stir until the noodles are coated in the creamy cheese sauce.
Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken, then serve.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Gluten-Free: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
Add Veggies: Stir in frozen peas or sautéed vegetables for added nutrition.
Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses like gouda or fontina for a unique twist.
All Milk: Use all milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan with a splash of milk or cream over low heat, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini.

2. Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?

Yes, you can use all milk instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less creamy.

3. Can I freeze mac and cheese?

Yes, you can freeze it in individual portions. Just reheat it gently in a saucepan with a little milk or cream.

4. What’s the best cheese for mac and cheese?

Sharp cheddar and mozzarella work well together, but you can try other cheeses like gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a blend.

5. How do I make my mac and cheese extra creamy?

Using heavy cream and a mix of cheeses like mozzarella helps create a super creamy sauce.

6. Can I add meat to this dish?

Yes, chicken can be added for extra protein.

7. How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Make sure to cook the sauce on low heat and stir continuously to prevent separation.

8. Can I make mac and cheese ahead of time?

You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge, then reheat when ready to serve.

9. How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to give it a kick.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients if you need to serve more people. Just be sure to use a larger pot.

Conclusion

This creamy stovetop mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy nights when you need something quick, creamy, and satisfying. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, it's a dish the whole family will love. Enjoy it as is, or get creative with your favorite add-ins for a personalized twist!

Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese

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Author: Emmily
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This creamy stovetop mac and cheese is an easy and quick comfort food classic made with minimal ingredients. Featuring tender cavatappi shells smothered in a velvety cheese sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. Customize with your favorite add-ins like veggies for an extra layer of flavor!

Ingredients

Ingredients:

Cavatappi shells

Unsalted butter

All-purpose flour

Salt and pepper

Milk

Heavy whipping cream

Shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

Instructions:

Cook the cavatappi shells according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Slowly add the milk and heavy cream, stirring until the mixture starts to bubble and thicken.
Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella until fully melted.
Add the cooked pasta and stir until the noodles are coated in the creamy cheese sauce.
Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken, then serve.

Notes

You can customize this dish by adding veggies, or experimenting with different cheeses like gouda or fontina.
For a lighter version, use all milk instead of heavy cream.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American