My Favorite Mac and Cheese Recipe

Posted by NancyRadler on October 21st, 2009 at 01:22pm

This cheesy noodle dish is a number one comfort food for kids and adults alike. Easy to throw together and always a family favorite.

Rate this recipe and see reviews here!

Ingredients

1/2 stick butter
1 lb. medium shells or your favorite shaped/type pasta
2 C. heavy/whipping cream
2 C. milk
1 freshly grated nutmeg (easiest with microplane)
2 C. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 C. Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. freshly cracked pepper
1/2 C. panko bread crumbs
2 Tbs. minced fresh parsley
1/4 C. grated parmesan cheese

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Liberally butter your baking dish with 1/2 stick of butter. Cook pasta in approximately 5-6 quarts of water until al dente, stirring occasionally. Drain thoroughly.

Combine your cream, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper in a saucepan, until reduced slightly, about 15 minutes. Once it starts simmering, stir often in order to “break” the layer of foam so that it won’t boil over. Remove from heat at this point and add your cheddar and Monterey Jack, stirring constantly until well blended.

Add your pasta and stir vigorously. Try not to break up the pasta, this will release the starch in the pasta and thicken it too much. Pour the mixture into your baking dish. Combine the panko crumbs, parsley, and parmesan cheese in a small bowl and sprinkle over the pasta. Bake until golden and bubbly, approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on your oven.

Rate this recipe and see reviews here!

Tags: casserole, casserole recipe, casserole recipes, casseroles, cheese, cheesy, cheesy casserole, cheesy casserole recipe, easy casserole, family, kid friendly casserole, kid friendly casserole recipe, kid friendly casserole recipes, kid friendly recipe, kid friendly recipes, macaroni

Under Creamy/Cheesy+ Pasta Tags: casserole, casserole recipe, casserole recipes, casseroles, cheese, cheesy, cheesy casserole, cheesy casserole recipe, easy casserole, family, kid friendly casserole, kid friendly casserole recipe, kid friendly casserole recipes, kid friendly recipe, kid friendly recipes, macaroni