Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary comfort food experience! This isn't just any mac and cheese recipe - this is Chrissy Teigen's legendary mac and cheese that has foodie fans swooning and home cooks dreaming. With a perfect blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan, creamy sauce, and a hint of paprika, this dish promises to be the most indulgent, mouth-watering mac and cheese you've ever tasted. Get ready to elevate your pasta game and become the kitchen hero your family and friends will worship!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In the same large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is completely melted and starts to bubble, add the all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes to create a smooth roux, ensuring no lumps form.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is creamy and uniform.
- Sprinkle in the paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to ensure every pasta piece is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Optional: For a golden, crispy top, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle additional cheese on top, and broil for 2-3 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- Let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips
- Use high-quality cheese: The secret to incredible mac and cheese lies in using freshly grated sharp cheddar and Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
- Master the roux: Whisk continuously when making the butter and flour base to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, silky sauce.
- Prevent sauce separation: Keep the heat low when adding cheese and stir constantly to create a creamy, emulsified sauce.
- Al dente is key: Cook pasta just until tender to prevent mushy mac and cheese.
- Optional broil trick: For a golden, crispy top, don't skip the optional broiling step - it adds a delightful texture contrast.
- Let it rest: Allowing the mac and cheese to sit for 5 minutes helps the sauce set and makes serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 510kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 90mg
