This Mac and Cheese recipe is the absolute best! It's got tender pasta, a blend of delicious cheeses, and the "secret" is in the amazing seasoning blend. Made in just ONE POT, this mac and cheese is the richest, cheesiest, and creamiest around!
Course Dinner, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword mac and cheese, mac and cheese recipe, one pot mac and cheese
THICKENER: In a large nonstick pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth, 1 minute. Add seasonings whisking constantly. Gradually add 1.5 cups of milk, whisking until thick (1-2 minutes). Then slowly add the chicken broth, while constantly Whisking. Bring to a boil.
PASTA: Once boiling, add uncooked macaroni. Stir with a wooden spoon. Reduce heat to medium-low, allowing a gentle bubble across top when not stirring. Stir often, scraping the bottom of the pot, for 8-11 minutes until the pasta is just cooked (but still a bit firm) and the sauce slightly thickens. If it looks too saucy, don't worry—it will thicken quickly with cheese. (Take it off heat when it looks like this picture. See Note 3 for trouble-shooting.)
CHEESE: Remove the pot from heat. Sprinkle in one cheese at a time, stirring gently until fully melted before adding the next listed cheese. Adjust seasoning to taste.
ENJOY: Enjoy hot, optionally with a dash of hot sauce.
STORAGE: Mac and cheese is best enjoyed right off the stovetop! It will continue to thicken (pasta continues to absorb any surrounding liquid) the longer it sits.
Video
Notes
Note 1: Freshly grate mozzarella & cheddar then gently pack into measuring cup for accurate measurement. Use sharp or extra sharp cheddar for the most flavor.Note 2: Grab Parmesan from the block and grate on small holes of box grater.Note 3: Remove the dish from the stove as soon as the pasta is al dente, meaning it should be firm but not hard. The pasta will keep cooking and absorbing liquid as you add the cheese. It’s better to undercook it slightly than overcook, as you can't fix mushy pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin or the pasta isn't fully cooked, simmer it on low heat for an extra 1-2 minutes.