Decadent Stovetop Mac n Cheese
Equipment
- Normal Kitchen Utensils
- Whisk Recommended
Ingredients
- 1 Lb Shells or Elbow Pasta
- 16-20 Oz. Yellow Cheddar Cheese As sharp as you can get; try not to get pre-grated…see the notes
- 3 C Heavy Cream
- 2 Tbsp Butter
- 1 tsp Ground Mustard (Optional) but great for color
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
Instructions
- Set a large pot of water to boil for your pasta.
- While the water boils, grate your cheese. Grating will help make a smoother sauce.16-20 Oz. Yellow Cheddar Cheese
- Once the water is boiling, add your pasta along with a Tbsp of salt. Reduce to medium heat and cook the pasta to the longest time on the box/bag instructions.1 Lb Shells or Elbow Pasta, Salt and Pepper to Taste
- While the pasta cooks, start the sauce in a sauce pot. Add the cream to the pot and set the heat to medium-high. Cream is very difficult to curdle, but it is still possible – so keep an eye on it and stir constantly.3 C Heavy Cream
- As the cream begins to steam, start stirring in your grated cheese, one handful at a time. Stir in each handful until it is fully melted into the sauce. Then add another. Stir in all the cheese except for roughly two remaining handfuls. Save those for later.
- Once the cheese is melted into the sauce, stir in the (optional) ground mustard along with a couple pinches each of salt and pepper and cut the heat.1 tsp Ground Mustard
- Once the pasta is fully cooked, reserve 1-2 C of the pasta water and drain the pasta. Return the pasta to the pot, and add the cheese sauce.
- Stir the sauce to combine with the pasta. Check for sauce consistency here. If it is too thick, add a few Tbsp of the reserved pasta water and stir. Continue adding pasta water until it thins out to your liking. If the sauce is too thin, continue cooking over medium heat, stirring constantly, until enough liquid steams out to thicken the sauce to your liking. Additionally, if the sauce doesn't seem to cling evenly to the pasta, try adding a splash or two of the pasta water and stirring. The starch in the pasta water will help.
- Once the sauce thickness is where you want it, reduce the heat to low, stir in the butter, and let it melt into the sauce. Cut the heat and taste for seasoning. Add salt and pepper as needed.2 Tbsp Butter
- Finally, lightly fold the remaining grated cheese into the pasta, until it begins to melt, and serve right away!
Notes
Decadent Stovetop Mac n Cheese: A Creamy Classic
This stovetop mac n cheese is comfort food at its finest. With a rich, creamy sauce and tender shell pasta, it’s indulgent and incredibly easy to make. It comes together almost as fast as the boxed stuff, but it tastes ten times better. Trust me, once you’ve tried this, you’ll never look at powdered cheese the same way again.
The Simplicity of Homemade Mac & Cheese
The magic starts with heavy cream. Heat it gently on the stove, then stir in plenty of sharp cheddar, salt, pepper, and a pinch of ground mustard. That little dash of ground mustard is the secret weapon—it enhances the cheese’s natural tang without overpowering the dish. And it adds a little more yellow! Once the sauce is smooth and creamy, fold in shell pasta. Shells are great for trapping the cheesy goodness, but you can use any pasta you love. Elbow noodles are a classic choice, or go bold with cavatappi or penne.
If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water helps loosen it up to the perfect consistency. For a finishing touch, stir in a bit of butter for richness and an extra handful of grated cheese. The result? Silky, gooey perfection in every bite.
A Dish with History (and Endless Variations)
Mac n cheese has been a favorite for centuries. While its roots trace back to Italy (pasta), it has become a global comfort food. In the U.S., Thomas Jefferson famously served macaroni and cheese at state dinners. Fast forward to today, and the possibilities are endless. Try swapping cheddar for gouda, gruyère, or Monterey Jack. Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne for a spicy kick.
Want more mac & cheese inspiration? Check out my Buffalo Bleu Mac n Cheese, a baked version with bold flavors. Or if you’re in the mood for something chilled, my Hawaiian Mac Salad is perfect for a sunny-day picnic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This stovetop mac n cheese proves that simple ingredients can create big flavors. It’s creamy, cheesy, and so satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, this dish always delivers.
So grab your favorite pasta and let’s make magic on the stove—because great mac n cheese is just a pot away!
Some content edited/generated with the help of ChatGPT | OpenAI: https://www.openai.com/