From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/5
Cheesy Baked Pink Macaroni
Instructions
1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
4
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
5
Lower the heat and add cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cubed Velveeta. Stir until fully melted and creamy.
6
Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Mix until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
7
Transfer to an oven-safe baking dish. Top with additional shredded cheese.
8
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
9
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
My Calorie Intake
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Reserve Pasta Water for Silky Sauce 💧Save 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining and use it to adjust your cream sauce consistency—it emulsifies beautifully and prevents the sauce from becoming too thick or breaking during baking.
- Velveeta is Your Secret Weapon 🧀Velveeta contains emulsifiers that keep your sauce impossibly creamy and prevent separation—don't skip it, as it's the key to that luxurious, restaurant-quality texture that stays smooth after baking.
- Bloom Your Spices in Butter First 🧈Toast your paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in melted butter for 30-45 seconds before adding cream—this releases their essential oils and deepens the flavor dramatically.
- Layer Cheese Strategically for Even Distribution 🎯Mix half your cheese into the sauce and reserve half for topping—this ensures creamy interior pasta and a gorgeous golden crust while preventing burnt cheese edges.
- Underbake Slightly, Then Rest 🌡️Remove the dish from the oven when it's just bubbling at the edges (not fully set in the center) and let it rest 5 minutes—carryover cooking will set it perfectly while keeping the interior creamy rather than dry.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Vegetarian
Low Sugar
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
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