Creamy Garlic Herb Macaroni and Cheese

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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If you're looking to elevate your mac and cheese game, this Creamy Garlic Herb Macaroni and Cheese will do just that. With a rich, garlicky sauce and a blend of herbs, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in or as a crowd-pleasing side at your next gathering.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Herb Macaroni and Cheese

Elbow macaroni is the classic choice for mac and cheese, providing the perfect shape to capture all the creamy sauce. Butter serves as the base for the roux, which thickens the sauce, while garlic infuses it with aromatic flavor. Using all-purpose flour ensures the sauce holds together without separating. Whole milk is crucial for that extra creamy texture, and combined with sharp cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese, you get a gooey, cheesy sauce that’s hard to resist. A pinch of salt and black pepper enhances the overall taste, and dried oregano and basil introduce a lovely herbal note. Topping it all off, Parmesan cheese adds a savory finish, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley gives a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting results.
  • Make sure the milk is at room temperature before adding to the roux to prevent clumping.
  • If you prefer a crustier top, broil for a couple of extra minutes after baking.

Serving Suggestions

This mac and cheese pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad to balance the richness. It also makes a delightful side dish for roasted chicken or grilled veggies. For a fun twist, serve it in individual ramekins for a dinner party.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Shells or cavatappi work well if you want to change it up.
Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Sure! You can assemble it ahead and bake it just before serving. If refrigerating, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Creamy Garlic Herb Macaroni and Cheese Recipe Walkthrough

Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Make sure to drain it well and set it aside for later. While that’s cooking, grab a large saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and let it sauté until you can smell its wonderful aroma.

With the garlic fragrant, stir in the flour. Cook this mixture for a minute or two until it turns a lovely golden color – this is your roux, the magic that thickens the sauce. Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps are forming. Keep whisking as the mixture comes to a simmer and thickens.

Now, reduce the heat slightly and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until they melt into a smooth, velvety sauce. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Once you’re satisfied with the sauce, gently fold in the cooked macaroni until every piece is well coated.

Transfer everything into a greased baking dish, then top with the Parmesan cheese. Pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. You’re aiming for a nice golden-brown top. Before serving, don’t forget to sprinkle the fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and creamy texture that hugs every piece of pasta.
  • Garlic and herbs add unexpected depth and flavor.
  • Easy to prepare yet feels gourmet.
  • Perfect for both kids and adults.
  • Ready in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

16 oz elbow macaroni
4 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
4. Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring there are no lumps.
5. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened.
6. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
7. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
8. Add cooked macaroni to the sauce and mix until well coated.
9. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
10. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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