Description
This Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese recipe combines tender cavatappi pasta with two types of cheese and a blend of seasonings, all slow-cooked to creamy, cheesy perfection. It's a simple, hands-off dish perfect for comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pasta and Dairy
- 1 lb cavatappi pasta
- 1/4 cup butter, cut into cubes
- 1 12 ounce can evaporated milk
- 1 1/2 cups half and half
Cheese
- 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
- Cook pasta: Boil the cavatappi pasta in water for 2 minutes less than the package directions to ensure it remains firm enough for slow cooking.
- Prepare slow cooker: Coat a 4 or 6 quart slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the slightly undercooked noodles inside and add the cubed butter. Stir gently until noodles are coated with butter.
- Add dairy and seasonings: Pour in the evaporated milk and half and half. Add shredded cheddar cheese, cubed American cheese, salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika to the slow cooker.
- Combine ingredients: Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly mixed and cheeses begin to melt into the liquids.
- Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to promote even cooking and prevent burning.
- Final stir and serve: After 2 hours, stir the mac and cheese until smooth and creamy. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Use cavatappi or another corkscrew-shaped pasta to hold the cheese sauce well.
- Do not overcook the pasta initially, as it will continue cooking in the slow cooker.
- Stirring every 30 minutes prevents cheese from sticking and burning on the slow cooker sides.
- For a sharper flavor, use extra sharp cheddar cheese.
- Optional parsley garnish adds a fresh pop of color and flavor.
- Cooking spray or buttering the slow cooker prevents sticking and eases cleanup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 571 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 912 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 88 mg
