Boston Market Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Boston Market Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy comfort dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a blend of cheddar, American, and Parmesan cheeses, it offers a rich flavor and smooth texture that melts in your mouth. It’s a beloved classic that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

A clear glass oval bowl filled with creamy cooked fusilli pasta, the pasta twisted and coated thickly with a smooth, white sauce that looks cheesy and slightly speckled with herbs. On top of the pasta in the middle, there is a small green leaf garnish for color contrast. The bowl is placed on a wooden surface with natural light highlighting the soft texture of the sauce and pasta shapes. The scene looks simple and fresh. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp mustard powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 12 oz deli-sliced American cheese
  • 1 lb rotini pasta
  • 2 cups half & half
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook the rotini pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour until a smooth paste forms.
  3. Step 3: Gradually pour in the half & half, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in mustard powder, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and salt. Cook until the sauce slightly thickens.
  4. Step 4: Add the deli-sliced American cheese, stirring continuously until fully melted and smooth.
  5. Step 5: Mix in shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan, stirring until completely incorporated into the sauce.
  6. Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat every piece evenly.
  7. Step 7: Transfer to a serving dish and serve hot for the best taste.

Tips & Variations

  • For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter and bake under the broiler for 2–3 minutes before serving.
  • Substitute rotini with elbow macaroni or cavatappi if preferred.
  • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick.
  • Use whole milk instead of half & half for a lighter sauce.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or half & half to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

A clear glass oval bowl filled with one layer of creamy white pasta, the pasta pieces are spiral-shaped and coated evenly with a smooth, thick white sauce that has small black pepper bits. A small sprig of bright green cilantro sits on top in the center, adding a pop of color. The bowl is placed on a light wooden surface that contrasts softly with the dish's creamy texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, while rotini is recommended for its shape that holds sauce well, you can substitute with elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or any short pasta you have on hand.

Is it possible to make this mac and cheese gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour, and make sure your other ingredients don’t contain gluten to keep the dish safe.

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Boston Market Mac and Cheese Recipe


  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Boston Market Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and cheesy comfort food classic made with a blend of American, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses combined with perfectly cooked rotini pasta. The cheese sauce is seasoned with mustard powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika, then finished with a smooth and velvety texture using half & half and butter. Ideal for a hearty family meal or cozy dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Sauce Ingredients

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp mustard powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 12 oz deli-sliced American cheese
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 cups half & half

Pasta

  • 1 lb rotini pasta

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente, typically about 8–10 minutes depending on the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Make the roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until it forms a smooth paste, cooking for about 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  3. Add the liquids and spices: Slowly whisk in the half & half, continuing to whisk constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in mustard powder, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and salt. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly, around 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently.
  4. Melt the American cheese: Add the deli-sliced American cheese in batches, stirring continuously until fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  5. Incorporate cheddar and Parmesan: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is homogeneous.
  6. Combine pasta and cheese sauce: Add the cooked rotini pasta to the cheese sauce. Gently stir to coat every piece evenly with the sauce.
  7. Serve hot: Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish and enjoy immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste if you prefer a spicier or milder mac and cheese.
  • For extra creaminess, you can add a splash more half & half or a dollop of cream cheese.
  • This recipe is best served immediately but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
  • Ensure to whisk constantly when adding the half & half to prevent lumps in the sauce.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Boston Market Mac and Cheese, creamy mac and cheese, rotini pasta cheese sauce, homemade mac and cheese recipe

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