Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese (Print)

Rich garlic-Parmesan cheese sauce coats tender macaroni. Golden panko crust for irresistible comfort.

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 ounces elbow macaroni

→ Cheese Sauce

02 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
05 - 2 cups whole milk
06 - 1 cup heavy cream
07 - 1 and 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

→ Topping

12 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
14 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
15 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 2-quart baking dish if you plan to bake the pasta.
02 - Boil macaroni in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
03 - In a large saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.
04 - Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until a pale roux forms.
05 - Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream. Cook, stirring consistently, until the mixture thickens, about 4 to 5 minutes.
06 - Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in 1 and 1/2 cups Parmesan and mozzarella until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
07 - Add drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and blend until the pasta is evenly coated.
08 - If baking, transfer pasta mixture to prepared baking dish. In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and melted butter. Distribute topping evenly over pasta.
09 - Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the top is golden and cheese bubbles.
10 - Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Easy weeknight friendly and done in under one hour
  • Rich creamy sauce without any processed cheeses
  • Big garlic flavor balanced by mozzarella and cream
  • Versatile as a side or main dish for vegetarians
  • Restaurant-quality with basic pantry staples
02 -
  • Crowd pleaser at family gatherings and holiday meals
  • High in protein and hearty enough for vegetarians
  • Freezes beautifully for make-ahead meals
03 -
  • Always grate your own Parmesan for the best melt and boldest flavor
  • Let the pasta cool slightly before mixing with the sauce so it stays firm and not mushy
  • If you crave even more garlic rub the inside of your baking dish with a fresh clove before assembly

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