Description
This Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese recipe combines tender cavatappi pasta with a rich blend of cheddar and American cheeses, enhanced by evaporated milk, half and half, and classic seasonings. Cooked slowly to creamy perfection in your crock pot, it's an effortless and comforting dish perfect for family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb cavatappi pasta (or other corkscrew shaped pasta)
Dairy and Cheese
- 1/4 cup butter (cut into cubes)
- 1 12 ounce can evaporated milk
- 1 1/2 cups half and half
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 lb block of orange American cheese (cut into cubes, 8 ounces)
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Other
- Cooking spray
- 2 teaspoons chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Parboil the Pasta: Cook the cavatappi pasta in boiling water for 2 minutes less than the package directions indicate. This ensures the pasta finishes cooking perfectly in the slow cooker.
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Lightly coat a 4 or 6 quart slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the parboiled noodles into the slow cooker and add the cubed butter. Stir well to coat all noodles evenly with butter.
- Add Dairy and Seasonings: Pour in the evaporated milk and half and half. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, cubed orange American cheese, salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Stir gently until all ingredients are well combined.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. Stir the mac and cheese every 30 minutes during cooking to help the cheese melt evenly and prevent sticking on the edges.
- Finish and Serve: At the end of the cooking time, stir the mixture thoroughly until a smooth, creamy sauce coats the noodles. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm for a comforting dish.
Notes
- This slow cooker mac and cheese blends tender pasta with two types of cheese and flavorful seasonings for a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic.
- Coating the slow cooker with cooking spray helps avoid sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Be sure not to overcook the pasta during boiling because it will finish cooking in the slow cooker and you want to avoid mushy noodles.
- Stirring every 30 minutes during slow cooking promotes even cheese melting and prevents burning on the edges.
- Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for best melting and creamy texture.
- For a different flavor, try substituting some cheddar with Gouda or Monterey Jack cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 571 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 912 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 88 mg
