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No-Boil Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 119 reviews

This No-Boil Macaroni and Cheese recipe is a creamy, comforting baked pasta dish that requires no pre-cooking of the macaroni. The pasta bakes directly in chicken stock, producing tender noodles infused with flavor. A rich cheese sauce made with sharp Cheddar, Parmesan, cream, and butter brings the dish together for a deliciously cheesy result that’s perfect for an easy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni and Stock

  • 5 cups chicken stock, divided
  • 1 lb. elbow macaroni
  • 1 tsp. salt

Cheese and Sauce

  • 8 oz. freshly grated Cheddar cheese
  • 8 oz. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 Tbsp. cornstarch, divided
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 2 Tbsp. butter, melted
  • 2 tsp. garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the macaroni and cheese.
  2. Combine Pasta and Stock: In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, add 4 cups of chicken stock, the elbow macaroni, and salt. Stir to combine and ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil.
  3. Bake Pasta: Place the covered casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook directly in the stock.
  4. Mix Cheese and Cornstarch: While the pasta bakes, in a medium bowl toss together the freshly grated Cheddar, Parmesan cheeses, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Set this cheesy mixture aside.
  5. Stir Pasta: After baking, carefully remove the casserole dish from the oven and remove the foil. Stir the pasta well to separate the noodles and redistribute the stock evenly.
  6. Prepare Cream Sauce: In a 4-cup glass measuring cup or microwave-safe bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 cup chicken stock, remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch, heavy cream, melted butter, and garlic powder until smooth. Microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture comes to a boil, then stir until smooth.
  7. Combine Sauce with Pasta and Cheese: Pour the hot cream mixture over the pasta in the casserole dish. Add the cheese mixture and stir everything together until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
  8. Let it Set: Allow the dish to stand for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock for a vegetarian version, though it will change the flavor slightly.
  • For a sharper flavor, use extra sharp Cheddar cheese.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase cornstarch by ½ tablespoon.
  • The dish can be made ahead and reheated; add a splash of milk or stock when reheating to loosen the sauce.
  • Covering the dish tightly is important to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and stays moist.

Keywords: no-boil macaroni and cheese, baked mac and cheese, creamy macaroni, easy macaroni recipe, comfort food pasta

Find it online: https://cookcrisis.com/no-boil-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe/