I’m not a Mac and Cheese Lover, but my little people are! Therefore, I had to establish a recipe packed with flavor that would fill their bellies and hearts!
Prep Time: 10 minutes (quicker if you buy veggies diced already)
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 10 people
Kitchen Tools Needed: Boiler, sauce pot, cheese grater, wooden spoon, baking dish, measuring cups
Ingredients
- 16 oz Pasta (Shells or elbow noodles)
- 6 cups Chicken Broth (I used powder and added tablespoons to water.)
- 1 stick Garlic and Herb Butter
- 1 stick Salted Butter
- Salt (to taste)
- White and Black Pepper (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ Mustard powder
- Eggs (optional)
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1 cup Half and Half
- ½ Parsley – fresh or dried
- 4 oz Cream Cheese and 4 oz Velveeta Cheese —adds some amazing texture and moisture
- 8 oz American & 8 oz Cheddar Cheese—adds amazing flavor
- 8 oz each: Mozzarella, Colby Jack, and Mexican Blend Cheese
- Egg – This helps hold layers together (optional). I don’t use it unless I’m doubling the recipe.
Prep and Cooking Instructions:
Step 1
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Place Garlic and herb Butter, chicken broth( I use powder form) water in a large stock pot (boiler), and bring to a boil. Add in pasta and cook to desired tenderness (don’t overcook).
Step 2
- Add marinara, salt, pepper, sugar, parsley and all other spices to taste-I usually use at least a teaspoon of all; bring to a simmer, then cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 3
- Make the cheese filling – Combine half and half, heavy whipping cream, all the cheeses, and seasonings into a sauce pot to create cheese sauce.
- Prep – Once pasta is done draining, put it back in the pot, add a stick of salted butter, and allow it to melt. Then add the cheese sauce mixture.
Step 4
- Assemble – Pour mac and cheese into a baking dish and top with extra cheese. Sprinkle some smoked paprika and parsley on top.
Step 5
- Bake –35 minutes if the egg is added. If the egg is not used, bake only until the cheese is melted and the crust is bubbly.
- Rest – Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving
Additional Cooking Tips: Don’t forget to add an additional abundance of LOVE!
