Description
This Boston Market Mac and Cheese recipe recreates the creamy, cheesy comfort food favorite with a blend of cheddar, American, and Parmesan cheeses combined with tender rotini pasta in a rich, seasoned cheese sauce. Perfect for a hearty side or main dish, it features a smooth, velvety texture and classic savory flavors enhanced with garlic, black pepper, mustard powder, and paprika.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Sauce
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half & half
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 12 oz deli-sliced American cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 1 lb rotini pasta
Instructions
- Cook 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 Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour continually to form a smooth paste (roux), cooking for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste but not browning it.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually pour in the half & half while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in the mustard powder, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and salt. Continue cooking and stirring frequently until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Melt American Cheese: Add the deli-sliced American cheese in pieces to the sauce, stirring continuously until fully melted and smooth, ensuring the cheese blends evenly into the sauce.
- Add Other Cheeses: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheese sauce is creamy and homogenous.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rotini pasta to the cheese sauce. Gently fold the pasta in to coat every piece evenly with the cheese sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish and serve hot for best creamy texture and flavor enjoyment.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melt.
- Cooking pasta al dente prevents it from becoming mushy when combined with the cheese sauce.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
- For a richer dish, substitute half of the half & half with heavy cream.
- 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, cheddar cheese sauce, American cheese mac and cheese, easy comfort food
