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Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe

4.5 from 133 reviews

This Creamy Mac and Cheese is a rich and delicious stovetop recipe combining elbow pasta with a luscious blend of cheddar, Velveeta, Parmesan cheeses, and Greek yogurt for added creaminess and tang. Perfectly seasoned with garlic, onion powders, and ground mustard, this comforting dish is ideal for a satisfying main course or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 pound elbow pasta

Cheese Sauce

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup all purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ cups milk
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
  • 3 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
  • 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
  2. Make the Roux: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir continuously, cooking for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
  3. Add Milk and Thicken: Gradually whisk in the milk to the roux. Continue cooking and stirring over medium heat for a few minutes until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce. Remove from heat once thickened.
  4. Incorporate Cheeses and Yogurt: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, cubed Velveeta, grated Parmesan, and Greek yogurt. Add ground mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Run hot water over the cooked pasta to warm and slightly loosen it, drain again, and stir the pasta into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
  6. Let it Set: Allow the mac and cheese to sit for a few minutes off the heat to thicken up before serving. Enjoy warm.

Notes

  • Sour cream can be substituted for Greek yogurt; however, this will slightly alter the flavor profile making it tangier.
  • Make sure to stir the roux continuously to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth cheese sauce.
  • For a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free flour blends.
  • Adjust seasonings to taste, especially salt and pepper, as cheese can be quite salty.

Keywords: Creamy mac and cheese, stovetop mac and cheese, cheesy pasta, comfort food, cheddar mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese recipe