How do you keep mac and cheese creamy (& not mushy)?
I have two simple tips to keep this spaghetti macaroni creamy without becoming mushy:
- Cook your spaghetti noodles for a minute or so less than the package instructs. Whenever I make pasta, especially bean or chickpea pasta, I always use this method because it keeps the pasta from getting too soft or gummy. Since the noodles will continue to soften slightly in the oven, it makes sense to undercook them in this instance.
- For the cheese sauce, use heavy cream in place of regular milk. A richer, creamier texture is achieved by using more dietary fat! For the creamiest cheese sauce, use heavy cream or whole milk rather than reduced fat or skim. (These two milk alternatives will still function in this recipe; they’ll just taste a little less creamy.) ).
Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Smooth and Creamy: In just a few minutes, I’ll demonstrate how to make the silkiest, smoothest cheese sauce ever!
- One of my favorite kid-friendly recipes—a delicious combination of spaghetti and mac and cheese!
- Versatile: This dish can be served as a side dish or a meal, and it’s the perfect comfort food in both cases.
- Although the recipe calls for spaghetti, you can substitute any long noodle, such as bucatini or linguine,
- Butter – I use salted butter.
- Fresh garlic has the best flavor, but minced garlic from a jar will also work.
- All-purpose flour is used to make a roux that thickens cheese sauce.
- Half
- Cayenne Pepper: To counterbalance all the creaminess, add just a hint of heat.
- Cheese: You can use any three cheeses as long as they melt properly; I used Sharp White Cheddar, Smoked Cheddar, and Colby Jack.
How to Store Spaghetti Mac and Cheese
This is a great meal prep dinner that I can make ahead of time, or I love to make it when I’m feeding a crowd! After baking, just store the leftovers in the refrigerator for 5-7 days, covered in an airtight container. Just zap leftovers in the microwave to your preferred temperature or bake or toast them for ten to fifteen minutes.
