Description
This Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese recipe combines tender cavatappi pasta with a rich blend of cheddar and American cheeses, infused with savory spices and cooked to creamy perfection in a crock pot. It's an easy and comforting dish perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pasta and Butter
- 1 lb cavatappi pasta
- 1/4 cup butter, cut into cubes
Dairy and Cheese
- 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
- Cooking spray
- 2 teaspoons chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cavatappi pasta for 2 minutes less than the package instructions indicate to ensure it remains slightly firm for slow cooking.
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Coat a 4 or 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the partially cooked noodles in the slow cooker and add the cubed butter. Stir well until the noodles are coated evenly with butter.
- Add Dairy and Seasonings: Pour in the evaporated milk and half and half. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, cubed American cheese, salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Stir everything together until fully combined.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to ensure even melting and prevent sticking on the edges.
- Finish and Serve: At the end of cooking, stir the mac and cheese until the sauce is smooth and coats the noodles thoroughly. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Cooking the pasta slightly underdone prevents mushiness after slow cooking.
- Use cooking spray to prevent the mac and cheese from sticking to the slow cooker pot.
- Stirring every 30 minutes helps achieve a creamy, even texture without burnt spots.
- Optional parsley garnish adds a fresh flavor and bright color contrast.
- You can substitute American cheese with Velveeta for an extra creamy texture.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 571 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 912 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 88 mg
