From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/4
Creamy Stovetop Mac & Cheese
Instructions
1
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.
2
In a large pan, melt butter with a dash of olive oil over medium heat.
3
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
5
Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
6
Reduce heat and add cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Velveeta cubes. Stir until melted and smooth.
7
Add cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water. Mix until pasta is fully coated in creamy cheese sauce.
8
Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy goodness.
My Calorie Intake
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My Notes
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Reserve Pasta Water First 💧Save at least 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining—this is liquid gold for achieving the perfect creamy consistency without making the sauce too thick or breaking the cheese emulsion.
- Velveeta is Your Secret Weapon 🧀The small amount of Velveeta contains emulsifiers that prevent the sauce from becoming grainy or separating, ensuring silky smoothness even if you use high-quality cheeses that can sometimes be temperamental.
- Bloom Your Aromatics in Butter 🧄Toast the garlic, garlic powder, and onion powder in melted butter for 30-60 seconds before adding cream to unlock their full flavor potential and eliminate any raw, harsh tastes.
- Layer Your Cheeses Strategically 🎯Add cheddar and mozzarella first while the sauce is hot, then finish with Parmesan off-heat—this prevents the delicate Parmesan from becoming grainy while maximizing its nutty flavor contribution.
- Low Heat is Non-Negotiable 🔥Keep the heat at medium or below once cream is added to prevent the dairy from breaking and the cheese from becoming oily or separating into greasy puddles.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Vegetarian
Low Sugar
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
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