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Alfredo Mac and Cheese

Baked Alfredo Mac and Cheese Recipe

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 610
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1½ cups heavy cream
  • 1½ cups finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp melted butter
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
  • Pinch of paprika (optional)

Method
 

  1. Turn broiler to high. Boil salted water, cook macaroni until just shy of al dente (about 6 mins), drain without rinsing.
  2. Melt 3 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, cook 30 seconds. Stir in cream, salt, pepper; bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella gradually until smooth.
  3. Remove from heat. Fold in drained pasta until fully coated. Pour into a buttered 2-quart baking dish.
  4. Mix panko, 1 tbsp melted butter, and 2 tbsp Parmesan. Sprinkle loosely over pasta. Add paprika if using.
  5. Broil on middle rack 2-4 minutes until topping is golden and bubbly. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

The pasta will keep cooking in the oven, so pulling it a minute early is key. If the sauce tightens up while you mix, stir in a splash of pasta water or cream to loosen it. Broil times can vary a lot by oven, so stay near the kitchen.