Ingredients
– 1lb / 500g dried macaroni
– 2 1/2 to 3 cups / 600 to 720ml milk, at room temperature or as needed, preferably semi-skimmed
– 2 cups / 480ml chicken stock, not piping hot
– 1 cup / 240ml heavy or double cream, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
– 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
– 4oz / 125g cream cheese, at room temperature
– 2 1/2 cups / 250g medium cheddar cheese, grated
– 1 cup / 100g Gruyere cheese, grated
– 1/2 cup / 50g mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
1-Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients First, measure out everything you need, like 1lb / 500g dried macaroni and the cheeses. Grate the cheeses fresh for better melting itβs a small step that makes a big difference. If youβre going dairy-free, swap in plant-based options now to keep things simple.
2-Step 2: Combine and Simmer Place the macaroni in a large pot and add 2 1/2 cups of milk, chicken stock, and cream. Stir in the seasonings like salt and mustard powder. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. Cook until the pasta is al dente, which takes about 10-12 minutes. If the liquid gets low, add more milk as needed to maintain that creamy consistency. This method ensures the flavors blend perfectly in one pot.
3-Step 3: Add the Cheeses Lower the heat and mix in the cream cheese until it melts smoothly. Then, add the cheddar and Gruyere, stirring to combine, followed by the mozzarella. If the sauce thickens too much, thin it with a bit more milk. Adjust the seasoning to taste and serve right away for the best texture. For a fun twist, check out this comforting banana bread recipe on our site, which pairs great as a side for your meal.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
π Using chicken stock adds depth of flavor but water can substitute if needed.
π§ Medium cheddar cheese yields creamier flavor than sharp cheddar for this recipe.
π₯ Keep milk and cream at room temperature and use moderate heat to prevent grainy sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 818
- Sugar: 9.23 grams
- Sodium: 1032 milligrams
- Fat: 47.08 grams
- Saturated Fat: 27.78 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 15.16 grams
- Trans Fat: 0.64 grams
- Carbohydrates: 64.02 grams
- Fiber: 2.4 grams
- Protein: 34.14 grams
- Cholesterol: 155 milligrams
