One-Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese

$- 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 black pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - ½ cup breadcrumbs (for a crispy topping) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) This creamy mac and cheese recipe combines simple ingredients to create a comforting meal. You start with elbow macaroni and cook it right in the broth. The broth adds flavor and keeps it rich. Heavy cream makes it smooth and creamy. Sharp cheddar and mozzarella give it a great cheese pull. The seasonings add that extra zing. Garlic and onion powder bring warmth. Mustard powder adds depth. A pinch of salt and pepper rounds out the taste. You can even top it with breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness when serving. For the full recipe, refer to the detailed instructions. Enjoy making this delightful dish that warms the heart! - Heat olive oil in a large pot. - Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni and 4 cups of vegetable broth. - Bring to a vigorous boil, then lower the heat and cover. - Simmer for 8-10 minutes. Check and stir to keep the pasta from sticking. - After cooking, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and your seasonings. - Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of mustard powder. - Mix in salt and black pepper to taste. - Gradually fold in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. - Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. - If you want a crispy top, transfer the mix to an oven-safe dish. - Sprinkle ½ cup of breadcrumbs evenly over the top. - Broil for 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it until golden brown. This recipe is easy and fun. For the full recipe, check the complete details above. To make your mac and cheese extra creamy, use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often has additives that prevent smooth melting. Adjust the heavy cream based on how creamy you want your dish. More cream gives a richer taste, while less keeps it lighter. Stir the pasta occasionally as it cooks. This keeps the macaroni from sticking together. Monitor the simmering time closely. If you overcook it, the pasta can become mushy. Aim for al dente, which means the pasta is firm but cooked through. Play around with different cheese combinations. Mixing cheddar and mozzarella creates a nice balance of flavor and texture. For a little kick, add hot sauce or smoked paprika. These ingredients elevate the dish and make it more exciting. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe for a delightful cooking experience. {{image_4}} One-Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese is super fun to make. You can easily change it up! Here are some tasty ideas. - Cooked bacon adds a nice crunch. - Diced ham gives it a savory kick. - Rotisserie chicken makes it hearty. - For a veggie option, try tofu or chickpeas. They are full of protein too! - Spinach is a great way to sneak in greens. - Broccoli adds a nice crunch and color. - Peas bring a sweet taste to the dish. - Roasted red peppers can boost the flavor, making it even better. - Use gluten-free pasta instead of elbow macaroni. - Make sure your vegetable broth is gluten-free too. - Check all your other ingredients to keep it gluten-free. These variations let you make a dish you love. Try mixing and matching to find your favorite! For more details on the base recipe, check out the Full Recipe. After enjoying your One-Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese, let it cool. This helps keep the texture right. Once cool, store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in the fridge. This way, you can enjoy it again without losing flavor. When it’s time to eat your leftovers, reheat them in the microwave. You can also use the stovetop. Just add a splash of milk to keep it creamy. For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle more cheese on top while reheating. This will make it even more delicious. If you want to save some for later, freeze it! Transfer the mac and cheese to a freezer-safe container. Make sure it’s sealed well to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Once thawed, reheat it as usual for a tasty meal. Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This is great for busy days. Just heat it up when you’re ready to eat. Total time is approximately 25 minutes, including prep. This quick cook time makes it perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend treat. Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match according to your preference. Try gouda for a smoky taste or pepper jack for some heat. Each cheese adds a unique twist to the dish. It pairs well with salads, garlic bread, or grilled vegetables. A fresh side salad adds crunch, while garlic bread brings warmth. You can also add grilled veggies for color and taste. Yes, it's great for meal prep and can be stored and reheated easily. Divide it into portions and enjoy it throughout the week. For the best results, add a splash of cream when reheating to keep it creamy. You can find the full recipe to get started! One-Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese is simple and fun to make. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips, variations, and storage information. You can customize this dish with extra flavors, proteins, or veggies. Storing leftovers is easy, and reheating gives you that fresh taste again. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy treat any day. It fits into meal prep or a quick family dinner. Dive in, and let your taste buds celebrate!$

One-Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese

Indulge in comfort food heaven with this Cheesy Dream One-Pot Mac & Cheese recipe! Ready in just 25 minutes, this creamy dish combines tender elbow macaroni with sharp cheddar and mozzarella, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, this recipe is sure to delight.

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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 black pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for a crispy topping)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.

Add the elbow macaroni and pour in the vegetable broth. Stir the mixture gently to ensure that the pasta is evenly distributed.

Increase the heat to bring the broth to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow it to simmer for about 8-10 minutes, checking occasionally and stirring to ensure the pasta does not stick to the bottom of the pot. Cook until the macaroni is tender but still al dente.

After the pasta is cooked, carefully stir in the heavy cream along with the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to combine the ingredients.

Gradually fold in the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring continuously until both cheeses have melted completely and the sauce becomes creamy and luxurious.

If you desire a crispy topping, preheat your broiler to high. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to an oven-safe dish, then evenly sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top. Broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes to cool slightly before serving. Garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley for an added burst of flavor and vibrant color.

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