- VE
- LS
These Carbs Don't Count
May 13, 2025
This Creamy Stovetop Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Made in one pot, this version starts with garlic butter, followed by heavy cream and a flavorful seasoning blend. A dreamy trio of cheeses—cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan—plus a few velveeta cubes take it to the next level. Quick, gooey, and unapologetically cheesy, it’s the mac you’ll want on repeat every Monday and beyond.
16 Ingredients
MEDIUM
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.
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Cheese Melting Magic 🧀Grate your own cheese blend instead of using pre-shredded to ensure smoother melting and better texture, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
- Pasta Water Wizardry 💧Always reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining, as it acts as a natural thickener and helps create an ultra-creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Garlic Butter Base Brilliance 🧈Bloom your garlic in butter on low heat for 30-45 seconds before adding other ingredients to release its full aromatic potential and prevent bitter burning.
- Cheese Layering Technique 🌈Add cheeses in stages and off direct heat, starting with Velveeta for smoothness, then cheddar for flavor, mozzarella for stretch, and finishing with Parmesan for a sharp note.
- Seasoning Symphony 🌶️Create a pre-mixed seasoning blend of onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper to ensure even distribution and prevent clumping of individual spices.
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Creamy Stovetop Mac & Cheese
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