Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese
A rich and creamy baked pasta dish with a golden crust, infused with garlic and melted Parmesan for a comforting flavor. This italian-inspired quick meals ready in about 60 minutes pairs macaroni, milk, butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz macaroni
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tbsp butter
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 cups shredded (1 cup cheddar + 1 cup Parmesan) cheese
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz macaroni and cook for 6-8 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Whisk in 2 tbsp flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Gradually add 1 cup milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and forms a paste.
- Step 4: Add 2 cups shredded cheese (1 cup cheddar + 1 cup Parmesan) and stir until melted and smooth. Fold in the cooked macaroni until evenly coated.
- Step 5: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1/2 cup breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and crispy, and the center is bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (25 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep macaroni from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese?
Italian quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
