Description
Garlic Parmesan Mac Cheese delivers creamy comfort straight from your kitchen, bringing together sharp cheese and aromatic garlic in a quick, satisfying meal. Prepare to savor each cheesy bite that connects home cooking and pure deliciousness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta
- 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 4 cloves garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Boil 1 pound of pasta in salted water at 212°F for 8-10 minutes until perfectly al dente. Drain thoroughly and set pasta aside.
- Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium heat at 350°F. Sauté 4 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until your kitchen fills with aromatic fragrance.
- Sprinkle 3 tablespoons flour into the butter and stir constantly for 60 seconds to create a smooth, golden roux.
- Pour 2 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream gradually into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Cook for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Reduce heat to low and fold 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese into the creamy sauce. Stir until cheese melts completely and creates a silky consistency.
- Season the sauce with salt and black pepper, tasting to ensure balanced flavor.
- Combine pasta with sauce, stirring gently until every noodle becomes beautifully coated with cheesy goodness.
- Transfer to serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh herb flavor.
Notes
- Check pasta doneness by tasting – perfectly al dente pasta prevents mushy mac and cheese.
- Create a smooth roux by whisking flour and butter together without browning, which helps prevent lumpy sauce.
- Grate fresh Parmesan for maximum flavor and better melting compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use reduced-fat cheese without sacrificing creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg