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Bowl of creamy macaroni and cheese topped with breadcrumbs and herbs

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

A quick and creamy macaroni and cheese recipe using cream cheese and sharp cheddar for a comforting, kid-approved dish that's ready in about 20 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Dairy Ingredients
  • 8 oz macaroni or your favorite pasta shape Cavatappi or shells hold sauce well.
  • 1 cup cream cheese, room temperature Full-fat yields the silkiest sauce; use neufchâtel for a lighter option.
  • 1/2 cup milk Whole milk or 2% recommended; swap for unsweetened oat milk for dairy-free-ish creaminess.
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Sharp cheddar gives better flavor; mix mild and sharp for creaminess.
Seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper To taste.

Method
 

Cooking Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
  2. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente according to package directions.
  3. Drain and set aside.
Making the Sauce
  1. Return the empty pot to medium heat.
  2. Add the room-temperature cream cheese and milk. Stir constantly until the cream cheese melts and the mixture is smooth.
  3. Turn the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir slowly until the cheddar melts into a velvety sauce.
Combining
  1. Add the cooked macaroni back to the pot. Toss gently until every piece is coated in sauce.
  2. If the sauce seems too thick, loosen it with a splash of milk or a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water.
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

For a baked version, transfer to a buttered baking dish, sprinkle with panko mixed with a little melted butter, and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden. Storage: Refrigerate for 3–4 days, reheat gently with a splash of milk.