Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our mouthwatering One-Pot Mac and Cheese recipe. Say goodbye to multiple pots and pans, because this recipe combines all the cheesy goodness you crave into one convenient dish. Perfectly cooked cavatappi noodles bathed in a creamy sauce, topped with a crispy Ritz cracker crust – it’s a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to become a family favorite. So, let’s dive into the kitchen and create magic with this irresistible recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cavatappi noodles, uncooked
- 3 cups water
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 10.5 oz condensed cheddar soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
Toppings:
- 8 Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine cavatappi noodles, water, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and condensed cheddar soup. Stir well to combine.
- Cook Noodles: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 12-15 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked to al dente and the sauce has thickened.
- Add Cheese: Once the noodles are cooked, stir in shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Prepare Toppings: In a small bowl, mix together crushed Ritz crackers, grated parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley.
- Serve: Remove the pot from the heat and sprinkle the prepared topping mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Serve Hot: Serve the One-Pot Mac and Cheese hot, straight from the pot, and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Customize with Add-Ins: Make your mac and cheese unique by adding cooked bacon, diced ham, broccoli florets, or caramelized onions for extra flavor and texture.
- Spice it Up: For a kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Make it Creamier: For an extra creamy texture, stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream just before serving.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
- Keto Option: To make this recipe keto-friendly, substitute the cavatappi noodles with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower florets. Use heavy cream instead of milk and skip the condensed cheddar soup. Increase the amount of shredded cheese and add cream cheese for extra richness.
- Low Carb Option: Use low-carb pasta alternatives such as shirataki noodles or konjac noodles. Reduce the amount of milk used and opt for a lower-carb cheese blend. Skip the Ritz cracker topping and instead sprinkle the dish with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape in this recipe, such as elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the One-Pot Mac and Cheese ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop before serving, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: While mac and cheese can be frozen, the texture may change slightly upon reheating. It’s best to consume leftovers within a few days for the best taste and texture.
Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends to customize the flavor of your mac and cheese. Gouda, fontina, or gruyere can add unique depth of flavor to the dish.
Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure that all other ingredients, including the condensed soup and toppings, are gluten-free as well.
With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and irresistible crunch, our One-Pot Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food indulgence that’s guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So, grab your ingredients, clear some space on the table, and get ready to dive into a bowl of pure comfort and joy. Your taste buds will thank you!
