Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe with Cream Cheese for Comfort
Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and adding cream cheese takes it to a whole new level of creaminess. This recipe combines tender pasta with a rich cheese sauce that’s smooth, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or holiday spreads, this dish is both simple and indulgent. The cream cheese adds a silky texture, while cheddar and milk create a classic flavor balance. With minimal effort, you’ll have a warm, gooey, and irresistible meal that pleases both kids and adults. Serve it as a main dish or a delicious side everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients Of Mac and Cheese Recipe with Cream Cheese
Why You Will Love This Mac and Cheese Recipe with Cream Cheese
This mac and cheese with cream cheese is incredibly creamy, rich, and easy to make. It offers comfort in every bite, with smooth pasta coated in a silky cheese sauce. Perfect for family meals or gatherings, it’s versatile enough to serve as a main or side dish. The cream cheese adds extra depth, making it more indulgent and satisfying than traditional recipes.
Preparation Process Of Mac and Cheese Recipe with Cream Cheese
Cook macaroni until al dente, then set aside. In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and slowly add milk to create a smooth sauce. Stir in cream cheese and cheddar until melted and creamy. Add seasonings for flavor, then mix in the cooked pasta until coated evenly. Finish with a sprinkle of paprika and serve warm for the perfect comfort meal.
Step By Step Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, keeping it slightly firm so it holds texture when mixed with the cheese sauce.
Make the Roux
Melt butter in a pan, whisk in flour, and cook briefly. Slowly add milk while whisking to avoid lumps and create a smooth, creamy base sauce.
Add the Cheeses
Stir in cream cheese and cheddar until fully melted. The cream cheese creates extra creaminess while cheddar provides sharp, classic flavor to the sauce.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, coating every piece evenly. Stir gently until the pasta absorbs the creamy sauce and flavors.
Serve the Mac and Cheese
Spoon into bowls and serve warm. Optionally garnish with paprika, herbs, or extra cheese on top for flavor and a deliciously tempting presentation.
How to Serve?
- Serve warm as a main dish
- Pair with grilled chicken or steak
- Offer with garlic bread on the side
- Add a fresh salad for balance
- Serve in individual bowls for gatherings
Tips & Variations
Use mozzarella for a stretchy texture.
Top with breadcrumbs for crunch.
Swap pasta shapes for variety.
Add bacon bits for a smoky flavor.
Mix in broccoli or peas for veggies.
Spice it up with chili flakes or jalapeños.
Nutrition
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 16g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
Recipe Card
Mac and Cheese Recipe with Cream Cheese
Course: Mac and Cheese Recipe4 people
servings10
minutes20
minutes410
kcalThis mac and cheese recipe with cream cheese is the ultimate comfort food, delivering rich flavor and a silky smooth texture. Tender pasta is coated in a luscious sauce made with cheddar and cream cheese, creating a dish that’s indulgent yet simple to prepare. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or holiday meals. The cream cheese adds extra creaminess, making every bite more satisfying. Serve it as a filling main course or as a delicious side dish that pairs with almost anything. This recipe is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Elbow macaroni
Butter
All-purpose flour
Milk
Cream cheese
Shredded cheddar cheese
Salt
Black pepper
Garlic powder
Paprika (optional)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta
- Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, keeping it slightly firm so it holds texture when mixed with the cheese sauce.
- Make the Roux
- Melt butter in a pan, whisk in flour, and cook briefly. Slowly add milk while whisking to avoid lumps and create a smooth, creamy base sauce.
- Add the Cheeses
- Stir in cream cheese and cheddar until fully melted. The cream cheese creates extra creaminess while cheddar provides sharp, classic flavor to the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, coating every piece evenly. Stir gently until the pasta absorbs the creamy sauce and flavors.
- Serve the Mac and Cheese
- Spoon into bowls and serve warm. Optionally garnish with paprika, herbs, or extra cheese on top for flavor and a deliciously tempting presentation.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 3 days.
- Reheat gently with milk to maintain creaminess.
FAQs
Conclusion
This mac and cheese recipe with cream cheese is a creamy, indulgent twist on the classic dish. With its silky sauce, tender pasta, and rich flavor, it’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Easy to prepare, customizable with toppings or mix-ins, and guaranteed to satisfy cravings, it’s the ultimate comfort meal. Whether served as a hearty main or a side dish, this recipe always delivers warmth and flavor.
