Classic Mac and Cheese - beautifully plated pasta dish

Classic Mac and Cheese

The ultimate Canadian comfort food — creamy béchamel with sharp cheddar and Gruyère, baked until golden and bubbly.

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

30 min

Servings

6

Calories

520

Ingredients

  • 400 g pasta (your choice of shape)
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (35%)
  • 0.75 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cook the Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Base

    While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

  3. 3

    Build the Sauce

    Add the main sauce ingredients to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavours meld together, about 3-5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Combine

    Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss vigorously, adding pasta water as needed to achieve a silky consistency that coats every strand.

  5. 5

    Serve

    Plate immediately and garnish with fresh herbs and freshly grated cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Chef's Notes

I never add cream to a hot pan that's been on high heat — I always reduce the temperature first to prevent splitting.

Chef Luca Bianchi

Nutrition Facts

520

cal

26g

Protein

22g

Fat

59g

Carbs

7g

Fiber

496mg

Sodium

Tips & Tricks

  • Always salt your pasta water generously — it should taste like the sea.
  • Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining. It's liquid gold for emulsifying sauces.
  • Cook pasta 1 minute less than the package says if finishing it in the sauce.

Reviews (3)

Pierre T.★★★★★

Excellente recette! J'ai suivi les instructions à la lettre et le résultat était parfait. Ma femme a adoré.

Marie L.★★★★★

Made this last night and my family loved it! The sauce was perfect and so easy to make. Will definitely be adding this to our regular rotation.

Michael W.★★★★★

This recipe is a keeper. Great balance of flavours and the cooking times are spot on. My new favourite pasta dish.