Creamy macaroni and cheese is the perfect blend of gooey cheeses, cream and pasta baked until hot and bubbly.
From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito
This creamy macaroni and cheese is the kind of recipe people always come back to again and again. This is the one that gets saved, shared, and requested every time it post it. It's rich, ultra creamy, and packed with real cheese flavor thanks to a blend that melts perfectly into every shell. There's nothing fancy or fussy about it, just pure comfort food done right. If you grew up loving homemade mac and cheese, this is that version turned all the way up.
I've been making this recipe and sharing it on social media for years because it never fails. It's reliable, crowd pleasing, and delivers that smooth, velvety texture people crave without being dry or grainy. Whether it's for a holiday table, Sunday dinner, or a"just because" night, this mac and cheese always disappears fast. If you're looking for a tried and true recipe that actually lives up to the hype, this is the one!
Ingredients
Heres everything you'll need to make this delicious macaroni and cheese recipe. You can find the full ingredients list along with measurements and instructions in the recipe card below.
- Medium Sized Shells- Ideal for mac and cheese because they trap the sauce inside perfectly. I use Barilla.
- Butter- Adds richness and helps create the base of the sauce.
- Heavy Cream- This is the key to the ultra creamy texture. It keeps the sauce smooth, thick and indulgent.
- Velveeta- The secret ingredient! It keeps the cheese sauce creamy and silky.
- Mild Cheddar Cheese- Adds a classic cheesy flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese- Adds a strong cheese flavor and adds depth.
- Monterey Jack Cheese- Melts incredibly well and adds a mild richness that balances out the sharper cheeses.
- Munster Cheese- Gives it a stretchy, gooey texture and buttery flavor.
- Salt- Enhances the other ingredients.
- Pepper- Balances the richness of the cheeses.
- Garlic Powder- Adds background flavor without over powering the dish. I used McCormick.
- Parsley- An optional garnish that adds a pop of color.
Instructions
Heres how to make this delicious macaroni and cheese recipe. You can find the full ingredients list along with instructions on the recipe card below.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
First, shred the mild cheddar, sharp cheddar, munster and monterey jack cheese and mix them together in a large bowl. Set it aside. Now, cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Strain the pasta and return the pot to the same burner that is now off. Add the butter, Velveeta cheese and strained pasta on top. Season it with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Stir everything together until the butter is melted and coating the pasta.
PRO TIP: Make sure to shred the cheese yourself and avoid the pre shredded stuff that comes in a bag. It will melt much better that way.
PRO TIP: Don't over cook the pasta. It will continue to cook in the oven and you want the pasta to hold its shape and not turn to mush when its being baked.
Now, add in most of the shredded cheeses (leaving about ½ a cup) and pour in the heavy cream. Mix everything together until it’s evenly combined and place it into a 9 x 13" greased baking dish.
Next, sprinkle the top with the rest of the shredded cheese and place it, uncovered, into the center rack of the oven for 20-30 minutes or until the sides are hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted.
PRO TIP: Placing it into the center rack in the oven will allow all the heat to circulate perfectly and evenly cook the mac and cheese.
Finally, let it rest for 5- 10 minutes and garnish with chopped parsley (optional). Serve warm and enjoy!
PRO TIP: Letting the mac and cheese rest will let the sauce and cheeses firm up a little so its not too runny when serving.
Why Use Velveeta?
Velveeta guarantees smoothness, while the real cheese adds depth and flavor. Together, the two create the perfect balance.
Can I Substitute Milk For Cream?
Yes, you can but the sauce wont be as rich or thick.
Can I Use Different Cheeses?
Yes, you absolutely can! Use gouda, colby jack, mozzarella, fontina or havarti. They all work really well as substitutes.
Storage
Let the macaroni and cheese cool completely and place it into an air tight container. It will last in the fridge for up to three days.
Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Equipment
- 9" x 13" baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Medium Sized Pasta Shells
- 1 Stick Butter, softened and cut into pads
- 8 Oz Velveeta, cubed
- 2 Cups Heavy Cream
- ¾ Cup Mild Cheddar Cheese, hand shredded
- ¾ Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, hand shredded
- ¾ Cup Munster Cheese hand shredded
- ¾ Cup Moneteray Jack Cheese, hand shredded
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Parsley for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Shred the mild cheddar, sharp cheddar, munster and monterey jack cheese and mix them together in a large bowl.
- Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Strain the pasta and return the pot to the same burner that is now off. Add the butter, Velveeta cheese and strained pasta on top. Season it with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Stir everything together until the butter is melted and coating the pasta.
- Add in most of the shredded cheeses (leaving about ½ a cup) and pour in the heavy cream. Mix everything together until it’s evenly combined and place it into a 9 x 13"greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the top with the rest of the shredded cheese and place it, uncovered, into the center rack of the oven for 20-30 minutes or until the sides are hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted.
- Finally, let it rest for 5- 10 minutes and garnish with chopped parsley (optional). Serve warm and enjoy!
Video
Other Easy Baked Pasta Recipes
If you like super easy to make baked pasta recipes like this one, you have to try this Baked Monterey Jack Chicken Spaghetti, Cheesy Baked Spaghetti and Million Dollar Baked Rigatoni.
Denise Vander Wall says
My family loves this but we have to much leftover. Can you cut this recipe in half? Can you change out the noodles?
Al Dente Diva says
I wouldn’t recommend it. Mac and cheese is always best made and eaten on the same day
Anonymous says
Can this be prepared the day before?
Al Dente Diva says
Thanks so much for letting me know ?
Lisa says
Loved the Mac n Cheese!
Very good ??
Nikole says
Can you make this ahead of time?
Al Dente Diva says
No it doesn’t not come out like it should. I haven’t found a crock pot Mac and cheese that I like yet but if I do I’ll share it ??
Jenn says
Can you make this in the crock pot?
Al Dente Diva says
I’m so so happy you liked it
Anonymous says
This was easy and AMAZING! Thank you, Tara.