Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
User Reviews
5
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Description
This mac and cheese recipe uses cavatappi or similar shaped pasta, cooked briefly before slow cooking, which allows it to finish tender without becoming mushy. Butter coats the noodles, helping to prevent sticking. The creamy sauce combines evaporated milk, half and half, shredded cheddar, and cubed American cheese for a balanced texture and flavor. Seasonings include salt, black pepper, onion powder, and paprika to add depth.
Cooking in a slow cooker on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours allows the cheeses to melt fully and meld with the pasta. Stirring every 30 minutes helps create a smooth, even sauce that envelops the noodles. The final dish is rich and creamy, with enough tang from cheddar and melting creaminess from the American cheese. Parsley garnish adds a touch of color and freshness before serving.
Cooking times may vary by slow cooker model; older models tend to run hotter and may require shorter cooking times to avoid mushy noodles. Adjust cooking duration accordingly. This recipe allows a set-it-and-forget-it approach without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cavatappi pasta or other corkscrew shaped pasta
- 1/4 cup butter cut into cubes
- 1 ounce can evaporated milk
- 1 1/2 cups half and half
- 4 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 lb American cheese cut into cubes (8 ounces, block, orange
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- cooking spray
- 2 teaspoons parsley optional garnish, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in boiling water for 2 minutes less than package directions call for.
- Coat a 4 or 6 quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Place the noodles in the slow cooker and add the butter. Stir until the noodles are coated with butter.
- Add the evaporated milk, half and half, cheddar cheese, american cheese, salt, pepper, onion powder and paprika.
- Stir until combined.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 1 1/2 - 2 hours. Stir every 30 minutes.
- At the end of the cook time, stir until a smooth sauce coats the noodles. Serve, topped with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Cavatappi is also called corkscrew pasta; farfalle or gemelli can be substituted if unavailable.
- Adjust cook time based on slow cooker heat: older models may need about 1.5 hours, newer models 2 hours on low.
- Stirring every 30 minutes helps the sauce come together; if it seems soupy at the end, continue stirring to achieve smoothness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 571 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 571kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 51g | 17% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 28g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 17g | 85% |
| Cholesterol | 88mg | 29% |
| Sodium | 912mg | 38% |
| Potassium | 419mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 960IU | 19% |
| Vitamin C | 0.8mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 654mg | 65% |
| Iron | 1.2mg | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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