Description
Creamy No Boil Mac & Cheese is a rich, cozy, easy recipe that turns simple pantry staples into the ultimate baked comfort food. This quick dinner idea is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, potlucks, and anyone looking for easy dinner ideas, food ideas, and a creamy homemade pasta bake without the extra step of boiling noodles first.
Ingredients
16 ounces elbow macaroni
4 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add the dry elbow macaroni, 2 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese, all of the mozzarella, and all of the Parmesan. Stir well to combine.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Press any exposed pasta gently into the liquid.
5. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and stir the pasta gently to redistribute the sauce.
7. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top.
8. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
9. Let the mac and cheese rest for 10 minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken slightly.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
Make sure the foil is tightly sealed during the first bake so the pasta softens properly.
Add a splash of warm milk when reheating leftovers to bring back the creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: creamy no boil mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, easy dinner idea, quick dinner, comfort food, cheesy pasta bake, no boil pasta recipe