Garlic Parmesan Mac Cheese

Indulge in the comforting embrace of this Garlic Parmesan Mac Cheese, a creamy twist on a beloved classic. The richness of Parmesan and the subtle kick of garlic meld beautifully into a luscious cheese sauce, enveloping tender elbow macaroni in every bite.

This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or whenever you crave the ultimate comfort food that’s both simple to prepare and irresistibly flavorful.

Ingredients

• Elbow Macaroni: 340 g of classic elbow pasta, perfect for holding creamy sauces well.
• Unsalted Butter: 3 tablespoons to start the roux and add a smooth base flavor.
• Garlic Cloves: 4 minced cloves to infuse a fragrant, savory aroma into the sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: 3 tablespoons to thicken the cheese sauce and ensure creaminess.
• Whole Milk: 480 ml provides a rich, smooth liquid base for the sauce’s velvety texture.
• Heavy Cream: 240 ml adds extra richness and a luscious mouthfeel.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: 150 g for sharp, nutty, and savory flavor depth.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 100 g for creamy meltiness and mild sweetness.
• Salt: 0.5 teaspoon to enhance all the flavors perfectly.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: 0.5 teaspoon for subtle warmth and balance.
• Ground Nutmeg (Optional): 0.25 teaspoon adds a warm, woody undertone to brighten the cheese sauce.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (for topping): 50 g to create a savory crust that bakes golden.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: 40 g for a light, crispy topping that contrasts creamy pasta.
• Unsalted Butter (melted for topping): 1 tablespoon to bind crumbs and add buttery richness.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley: 1 tablespoon as a fresh garnish that brightens the finished dish visually and in flavor.

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish

Set your oven to 190°C to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking your mac and cheese. Grease a 2-litre baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and help the topping crisp evenly during baking.

Cook Macaroni Until Al Dente

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the elbow macaroni until just tender but still firm to the bite, about 7 to 9 minutes. Drain well to avoid watery sauce and set aside.

Create Garlic Roux Base

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, releasing its aromatic flavor without browning. This step infuses the butter with a rich garlic essence.

Make the Cheese Sauce

Sprinkle the flour into the garlic butter mixture, whisking continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and form a smooth roux. Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Keep cooking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.

Incorporate Cheeses and Seasonings

Remove the saucepan from heat before stirring in freshly grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses. Stir thoroughly until melted into a velvety smooth sauce. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optionally, a pinch of ground nutmeg to enhance flavor depth.

Combine Pasta with Cheese Sauce

Add the drained cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat every piece evenly. This ensures each bite is bursting with rich, creamy flavor.

Assemble and Add Topping

Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, additional Parmesan cheese, and melted butter until combined. Sprinkle the topping uniformly over the pasta to create a crunchy, golden crust when baked.

Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown crust on top and bubbling cheese underneath, signaling the perfect meld of textures.

Garnish and Serve Warm

Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top. This adds a refreshing contrast and bright color, perfect for serving immediately and enjoying the creamy, comforting flavors.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this mac and cheese alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It also pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or a light tomato soup for added comfort.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes for this mac and cheese?

Yes, small pasta shapes like shells, cavatappi, or rotini work well as they hold sauce effectively.

Is it necessary to bake the mac and cheese?

Baking is optional but adds a delightful golden crust and enhances the flavor and texture contrast.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, substitute dairy milk and cream with plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free cheese.

How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

Remove from heat before adding cheese and stir gently to melt slowly; overheating can cause graininess.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble it a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated before baking. Add extra baking time if refrigerated.

What can I add to enhance this basic mac and cheese?

Try adding cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms for extra layers of flavor.

Garlic Parmesan Mac Cheese

Creamy macaroni with garlic and Parmesan cheese, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, ideal for a comforting and easy American classic dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course comfort foods, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 people

Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

• 1 large pot
• 1 colander
• 1 saucepan
• 1 whisk
• 1 baking dish optional
• 1 mixing spoon

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz elbow macaroni

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/3 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 2-quart baking dish if baking.
• Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
• Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux.
• Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream. Cook until sauce thickens, about 4 to 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using.
• Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
• Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish if baking. Combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and melted butter; sprinkle evenly over the top.
• Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the topping is golden and cheese is bubbling.
• Remove from oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

• Use whole milk and cream for the creamiest sauce.
• To make it vegetarian, ensure cheeses are vegetarian-friendly.
• Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently to avoid drying out.