Description
This Boston Market Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy, and comforting pasta dish inspired by the popular restaurant favorite. Combining a blend of American, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses with a seasoned creamy sauce, this homemade mac and cheese is perfect for a cozy meal that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Sauce
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half & half
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 12 oz deli-sliced American cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 1 lb rotini pasta
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Make Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until it forms a smooth, bubbly paste without lumps, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids and Spices: Gradually whisk in the half & half, ensuring the mixture stays smooth. Stir in mustard powder, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and salt. Cook the sauce gently, whisking constantly, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
- Melt American Cheese: Add the deli-sliced American cheese to the sauce. Stir continuously until the cheese fully melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate Cheddar and Parmesan: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly until all cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is uniform.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained rotini pasta into the cheese sauce. Gently stir to coat every piece of pasta evenly with the cheesy sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, you can add a splash more half & half or a little cream cheese.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
- You can substitute rotini with elbow macaroni or any other small pasta shape.
- Season the sauce to taste before adding pasta; adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- To bake, transfer mac and cheese to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes for a crispy topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Boston Market macaroni and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, American cheese pasta, homemade mac and cheese recipe, rotini cheese pasta
