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Why Choose Creamette Pasta?

Creamette Mac and Cheese (Stovetop & Baked Versions)

This rich, creamy Creamette mac and cheese recipe combines classic elbow pasta with a silky cheddar-based béchamel sauce. It’s quick enough for weeknights yet satisfying enough for holidays. Includes both stovetop and baked variations, with tips for custom add-ins, storage, and dietary swaps.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 24 minutes
Total Time 34 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 490

Ingredients
  

  • Pasta
  • 1 lb Creamette elbow macaroni
  • Béchamel Sauce
  • 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk warm
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack or Gruyère shredded
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp white or black pepper
  • ½ tsp dry mustard
  • ¼ tsp smoked paprika
  • Optional Topping for baked version
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 Tbsp melted butter
  • 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • 6-quart stockpot
  • Colander
  • Heavy-bottom saucepan or Dutch oven
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons
  • 9×13” baking dish (for baked version)
  • Oven (if baking)

Method
 

  1. Boil Pasta Cook 1 lb of Creamette elbow macaroni in salted boiling water for 6–7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Make the Sauce In a saucepan, melt 4 Tbsp butter. Stir in 4 Tbsp flour and cook for 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in 4 cups warm milk until smooth and thick.
  3. Add Cheese Turn off heat. Stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar and 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack. Add salt, pepper, mustard powder, and paprika. Mix until creamy.
  4. Combine with Pasta Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat. Serve hot.
  5. Optional – Bake It Pour into a baking dish. Top with buttered breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden.
    Why Choose Creamette Pasta?

Notes

  • Cheese Tip: Always shred cheese from a block for best meltability.
  • Make-Ahead: Assemble unbaked version and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
  • Customize It: Add bacon, broccoli, hot sauce, lobster, or caramelized onions.
  • Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk.
  • Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and cheese. Add 1 tbsp nutritional yeast.
  • Gluten-Free: Use GF pasta and swap flour with cornstarch or GF blend.
  • Creamette Mac and Cheese Recipe