Crockpot Mac and Cheese with Cream Cheese
INGREDIENTS
▢ 1 pound cellentani (corkscrew) pasta, uncooked, or other small pasta shape
▢ 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced into tablespoon-sized pieces
▢ 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into 1 ounce pieces
▢ 1 teaspoon kosher salt
▢ 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
▢ 3 cups whole milk
▢ 1/2 cup heavy cream
▢ 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese, I use sharp cheddar
▢ 1 cup freshly shredded pepper jack cheese
INSTRUCTIONS
Pour the uncooked pasta onto the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Scatter the butter and cream cheese pieces over the pasta.
Sprinkle the salt and cayenne pepper over the top and pour the milk and cream into the slow cooker.
Stir to combine everything and smooth the pasta into one even layer coated in sauce.
Cover and cook on low for 1 to 2 hours, until the pasta is chewy (not quite crunchy, but very al dente). Your cook time will vary if you use a different pasta or different size crockpot, so start with 1 hour and adjust from there.
Stir once halfway through the cook time and be sure to smooth the pasta into one layer so it is well coated with the sauce.
Once the pasta is ready, sprinkle on the cheddar and pepper Jack cheeses and stir to combine. Cover and continue cooking for 10 minutes.
The cheeses will melt into the sauce to create the most luxurious creamy cheese sauce.
Stir before serving. Enjoy!
Crockpot Mac and Cheese with Cream Cheese is a beloved comfort food dish that marries convenience with flavor. Using a slow cooker, you can prepare this creamy pasta dish effortlessly. Start by layering uncooked cellentani or your favorite small pasta in the bottom of the crockpot. The magic begins as you add slices of unsalted butter and chunks of cream cheese, which will melt and combine with the pasta as it cooks. To intensify the flavor, a sprinkle of kosher salt and cayenne pepper adds depth and a hint of heat. Pour in whole milk and heavy cream for an uber-rich sauce, and after an hour of low cooking, incorporate freshly shredded sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheeses for that gooey, indulgent texture. This dish is not only comforting but also versatile, as you can easily personalize it. Add vegetables, such as spinach or broccoli, or mix in proteins like cooked chicken or bacon for additional nutrition. Perfect as a side dish or the main attraction, this crockpot mac and cheese is sure to be a hit at family gatherings, potlucks, or simple weeknight dinners. Crockpot recipes like this one are ideal for busy days—prep it in the morning and return to a warm, delicious meal. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy a homemade meal that rivals any restaurant dish. It's creamy, cheesy, and downright delicious—a true crowd-pleaser.