Description
This Boston Market Mac and Cheese recipe recreates the creamy, cheesy comfort food classic that’s perfect for a family dinner or cozy meal. Featuring a rich cheese sauce made from a blend of shredded cheddar, deli-sliced American cheese, and Parmesan, combined with perfectly cooked rotini pasta, it delivers a luscious, satisfying dish infused with subtle spices for depth of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Sauce Ingredients
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 oz deli-sliced American cheese
- 2 cups half & half
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
Pasta
- 1 lb rotini pasta
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until it forms a smooth paste, cooking for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids and Spices: Gradually pour in the half & half while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in mustard powder, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and salt. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Melt the Cheeses: Add the deli-sliced American cheese to the sauce, stirring continuously until it is fully melted and smooth.
- Incorporate Additional Cheeses: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely blended into the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rotini pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat every piece evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish and serve hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, cook the roux slightly longer before adding the half & half.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- If preferred, swap half & half with heavy cream for an even richer sauce.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick before mixing with pasta.
- This mac and cheese is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Boston Market mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, rotini pasta recipe, homemade mac and cheese, easy cheese sauce
