Introduction

Easy Creamy Mac ‘N Cheese is a comforting classic that comes together quickly with simple ingredients. Its rich, cheesy sauce pairs perfectly with tender elbow macaroni, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a cozy dish.

A black cast iron dish filled with creamy, golden macaroni and cheese, topped with small green chives, sits on a dark blue cloth napkin. The dish is placed on a white plate with yellow edges and patterns around it, which rests on a brown wooden table with visible grain. To the top right, there is a white plate holding fresh green and purple leafy salad. Near the bottom right is a small light brown bowl filled with cracked black pepper. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 ounces elbow macaroni
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup Country Crock® Original Spread
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, whisk together the milk, Country Crock® Original Spread, and flour in a large saucepan. Heat over medium-high, whisking frequently until it comes to a boil.
Step 3: Reduce the heat and cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth, then remove the sauce from heat.
Step 5: Toss the drained macaroni with the cheese sauce in the pot until evenly coated. Serve immediately for the creamiest texture.

Tips & Variations

For a sharper flavor, use a mix of sharp cheddar and smoked cheddar cheese.
Add a pinch of paprika or mustard powder to the cheese sauce for extra depth.
Try stirring in cooked bacon bits or steamed veggies for added texture and taste.
Use whole milk or a mix of milk and cream for an even richer sauce.

Storage

Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk, stirring frequently, to restore creaminess without drying it out.

How to Serve

The image shows creamy macaroni and cheese served in a small black cast iron pan with two handles, placed on a folded blue cloth napkin. The pan rests on a white plate with yellow flower patterns and a yellow rim, which sits on a white marbled surface. The macaroni is coated in smooth, orange-yellow cheese sauce and topped with small green herb bits. To the upper right, there is a white plate filled with fresh green salad leaves, and near the bottom right corner, there is a small bowl filled with ground black pepper. A spoon with a wooden handle is inside the pan, ready to scoop. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like shells, rotini, or penne works well since they hold the cheese sauce nicely.

How can I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

Be sure to melt the cheese slowly over low heat and avoid boiling once the cheese is added to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.

Easy Creamy Mac ‘N Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 106 reviews

This Easy Creamy Mac ‘N Cheese is a comforting and classic pasta dish featuring tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich, creamy cheese sauce made with cheddar and Country Crock® Original Spread. Perfect for a quick family meal, it combines smooth textures and hearty flavors in just a few simple steps.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni

8 ounces elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup Country Crock® Original Spread
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Cook Pasta: In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions, usually boiling in salted water until tender but still firm to bite (al dente).
Prepare Cheese Sauce: While the pasta cooks, whisk together the milk, Country Crock® Original Spread, and all-purpose flour in a large saucepan. Place over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, whisking frequently to prevent lumps.
Thicken Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove the saucepan from heat.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the cooked pasta thoroughly, then return it to the pot. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and toss well to combine, ensuring every piece of macaroni is coated with creamy cheese sauce.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of black pepper or paprika to the cheese sauce.
Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor.
If the sauce becomes too thick after standing, stir in a splash of milk to loosen it.
This dish can be customized by adding cooked bacon bits or steamed vegetables.
To keep the mac and cheese creamy when reheating, add a little milk and stir gently over low heat.

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, cheddar cheese pasta, easy pasta dinner, comfort food