Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

Name: Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese
Prep time: P0Y0M0DT0H5M0.000S
Cook time: P0Y0M0DT0H30M0.000S
Total time: P0Y0M0DT0H45M0.000S
Yield: 8 to 10 servings (about 8 cups)
Ingredients: Kosher salt; 1 pound elbow macaroni; 2 1/2 cups half-and-half; 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 pound cream cheese, room temperature; 8 ounces sharp Cheddar, shredded (about 3 cups); 3 ounces Gruyere, shredded (about 1 cup)

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Level: Easy
Total: 45 min

Prep: 5 min
Inactive: 10 min
Cook: 30 min

Yield: 8 to 10 servings (about 8 cups)

No need for a flour-and-butter roux in this easy stovetop version of an old favorite: The cream cheese adds body and richness. If your mac and cheese gets a little stiff as it cools, just stir in some warm water to smooth it out - it works like a charm!

Level: Easy
Total: 45 min

Prep: 5 min
Inactive: 10 min
Cook: 30 min

Yield: 8 to 10 servings (about 8 cups)

Ingredients

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Kosher salt

1 pound elbow macaroni

2 1/2 cups half-and-half

1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 pound cream cheese, room temperature

8 ounces sharp Cheddar, shredded (about 3 cups)

3 ounces Gruyere, shredded (about 1 cup)

Directions

Watch how to make this recipe.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until it is al dente, about 6 minutes. Strain, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water. Set aside.
Heat the half-and-half and cayenne in a large saucepan over medium heat until it just comes to a simmer. Continue simmering until the half-and-half is reduced to 1 1/2 cups, about 15 minutes. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Whisk in the Cheddar and Gruyere until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the macaroni to the saucepan and stir to combine. Stir in some of the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed. Season to taste with salt if needed. Serve hot.