Go Back
- 2 cups elbow macaroni - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon mustard powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Heavy cream makes this dish rich and creamy. It helps create that velvety texture you want. Without it, your mac and cheese may taste dry. Cheese choice is key for flavor. Sharp cheddar gives a bold taste. Mozzarella adds stretchiness and extra creaminess. Together, they create a delightful mix that melts beautifully. For those with dietary restrictions, you can swap out some ingredients. Use gluten-free pasta if needed. You can also use nut milk or coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a lighter version. If you want to try different cheeses, go for gouda or pepper jack. These cheeses add unique flavors and textures to your mac and cheese. To start, grab a large pot. Heat the olive oil over medium heat. This oil helps make the dish rich. Next, add the elbow macaroni and vegetable broth. Stir it well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to stop the pasta from sticking. After the macaroni is tender, it’s time to add cream and spices. Pour in the heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. These ingredients add depth to the flavor. Now comes the fun part: add the cheese! Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. This step makes your mac and cheese truly special. If you want a crispy top, preheat your broiler. Transfer your mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for added crunch. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely. You want the breadcrumbs to turn golden brown. This step adds a nice texture contrast to the creamy mac and cheese. To keep your mac and cheese creamy, stir often. Stirring helps mix the cheese and cream well. If your pot is too hot, the cheese might clump. Keep the heat low when adding the cheese. This gives it a chance to melt smoothly. Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt. Pre-shredded cheese often has additives that can make it grainy. Choose a large pot with a heavy bottom. This helps distribute heat evenly. If your stove cooks unevenly, watch closely. You may need to adjust the heat as you cook. A pot that is too small can cause spills. Always make sure you have enough space for stirring. You can spice it up with garlic or onion powder. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a nice kick. Try sautéing veggies like spinach or mushrooms before adding them. Cooked chicken or bacon pieces can make it heartier. These add-ins bring more flavor and texture to your dish. For a fresh touch, sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving. {{image_2}} Mixing cheeses can change your mac and cheese game. I love using sharp cheddar for its bold taste. Pair it with mozzarella for that gooey texture. For a twist, try adding gouda or pepper jack. Gouda gives a creamy finish, while pepper jack adds a spicy kick. Feel free to experiment! Each cheese brings its own flavor. You can create a unique dish with just a few changes. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer elbow macaroni that tastes great. This keeps your dish creamy and delicious without the gluten. For vegan options, swap heavy cream with cashew cream or coconut milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for that cheesy flavor. These choices keep your mac and cheese tasty and friendly for various diets. Want to shake things up? Add proteins like cooked chicken, bacon, or even shrimp. These add heartiness and make the dish more filling. For extra flavor, mix in fresh herbs like basil or thyme. You can also sprinkle in spices like paprika or cayenne for heat. These simple changes make your mac and cheese exciting every time you make it. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe. To keep your One-Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese fresh, store the leftovers in the fridge. First, let the dish cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to airtight containers. This helps keep it creamy and prevents drying out. Use glass or plastic containers that seal well. Label them with the date to track freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy your mac and cheese again, you have a few options. The microwave is quick and easy. Place a serving in a bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even heating. For the stovetop, add a splash of milk in a pot over low heat. Stir constantly until warm. This method helps keep the creamy texture. Avoid high heat, as it can dry out the dish. Yes, you can freeze One-Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese! To do this, let it cool completely. Then, spoon it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Seal tightly and label with the date. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat using the stovetop method for best results. This keeps the creaminess you love. Enjoy your delicious mac and cheese anytime! Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. To prepare, cook the mac and cheese as directed. Once done, let it cool. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove. Add a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Stir well to heat evenly. If you want a lighter version, there are great substitutes for heavy cream. Here are some options: - Whole milk: It gives a creamy texture but is lighter. - Half-and-half: This blend of cream and milk works well. - Greek yogurt: It adds creaminess and a slight tang. - Coconut milk: This option is dairy-free and adds a nice flavor. - Silken tofu: Blend it for a smooth, creamy substitute. Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. You can use different pasta shapes based on what you have. Some great options include: - Shells: They hold the cheese sauce well. - Penne: Their ridges catch the creamy sauce. - Fusilli: Twists and turns provide extra sauce coverage. - Rotini: Similar to fusilli, they trap the sauce nicely. Feel free to experiment with whatever pasta you enjoy! This blog post covered how to make creamy mac and cheese. We discussed key ingredients, their roles, and how to customize them. Step-by-step instructions made cooking easy. I shared tips for perfect creaminess and cooking techniques. Lastly, we explored variations for dietary needs and storage tips. Enjoy creating your unique dish! With the right ingredients and methods, you can make a delicious meal that fits your taste. Try new flavors and have fun in the kitchen!

One-Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese

Indulge in comfort with this Cheesy Dream One-Pot Mac & Cheese recipe! Made with creamy cheddar and mozzarella, this quick dish comes together in just 25 minutes and is perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a deliciously rich and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Click through now to explore the full recipe and get ready to enjoy cheesy goodness in a single pot!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups elbow macaroni

4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon mustard powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

    Add the elbow macaroni and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.

      Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

        Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.

          Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until the cheeses melt and the sauce is creamy.

            If you prefer a crispy topping, preheat the broiler. Transfer the mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

              Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for extra flavor and a pop of color.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4