Name: Creamy No Boil Mac & Cheese
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 4 oz cream cheese, cubed; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard (optional)

Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and this version takes all the fuss out of prep without losing any of the creamy, cheesy magic. Forget boiling pasta separately or making a roux on the stovetop—this recipe lets your oven do all the heavy lifting while you relax. Every bite is silky, rich, and packed with comforting cheddar flavor.

Perfect for weeknights or lazy weekends, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. It’s simple enough to whip up after a long day, yet delicious enough to serve at a holiday table. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this no boil mac and cheese is bound to become a go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy No Boil Mac & Cheese

This recipe skips unnecessary steps but delivers everything you’d expect from a homemade mac and cheese. There’s no standing over a pot or draining noodles. The pasta cooks right in the milk and cheese mixture, soaking up all the flavor. It’s hearty, cozy, and just ridiculously easy. Plus, cleanup is a breeze with only one dish needed.

What Type of Cheese Works Best in Mac and Cheese?

Sharp cheddar is a classic for its bold flavor, but blending cheeses can take it to the next level. A mix of cheddar, mozzarella for meltiness, and a touch of cream cheese gives this mac and cheese its creamy edge. Always shred your cheese fresh if you can—it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded versions.

Ingredients for the Creamy No Boil Mac & Cheese

When you’re not pre-cooking pasta, it’s essential to use ingredients that bring both moisture and flavor. Everything comes together in one dish, so each component plays a key role in the final texture and taste.

Elbow macaroni
Whole milk
Heavy cream
Sharp cheddar cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Cream cheese
Butter
Salt
Black pepper
Garlic powder
Dry mustard (optional)

How To Make the Creamy No Boil Mac & Cheese

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will help prevent sticking and keep the cleanup easy.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the dish, followed by the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and chunks of cream cheese. Mix gently so the cheese is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Pour in the Creamy Liquid

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, melted butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dry mustard if using. Pour the mixture over the macaroni and cheese in the baking dish.

Step 4: Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes. This allows the pasta to cook and absorb all that creamy goodness.

Step 5: Uncover and Finish Baking

Remove the foil and give everything a gentle stir. Bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve and Store This Mac & Cheese

This recipe yields about 6 to 8 hearty servings, making it ideal for a family dinner or meal prep. Serve it piping hot, straight from the oven, paired with a fresh side salad or veggies for balance.

Leftovers store beautifully. Simply let it cool, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess. It also freezes well if you’d like to stash away a portion for another day.

What to Serve With Mac & Cheese?

Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

The freshness and snap of green beans tossed in garlic and Parmesan pair perfectly with the richness of mac and cheese.

Cajun Potato Soup

For extra cozy vibes, serve a cup of this Cajun Potato Soup on the side to double down on comfort.

Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

Juicy and savory with a sweet tang, these Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs balance the creaminess of the pasta with protein.

Oven Fried Potatoes & Onions

If you’re feeding a crowd, a side of Oven Fried Potatoes and Onions adds a satisfying crispy bite.

Classic Shakshuka

Add a fun, saucy twist with a scoop of Classic Shakshuka. The spicy tomato base and egg combo is great for brunch or dinner.

Creamy Corn Dip

Throw in this Creamy Corn Dip for something dippable and unexpected.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this easy Creamy No Boil Mac & Cheese, here are some other pasta favorites from the site you might love:

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli if you want something with a little more protein.
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini when you’re craving cheesy with a Tex-Mex kick.
One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for bold, spicy flavor in one pan.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti for a cozy twist on a baked classic.
Creamy Cajun Linguine when you need a weeknight dinner with flair.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can come back to it whenever you need an easy, cozy dinner fix.

Let me know in the comments how you made it yours. Did you try it with a different cheese blend or add bacon on top? I’m always excited to hear how recipes get your personal spin.

Explore more delicious comfort food on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and fill your meal plan with creamy, dreamy goodness.

Conclusion

This Creamy No Boil Mac & Cheese is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With minimal prep, one baking dish, and a few pantry staples, you can have a soul-satisfying meal on the table in under an hour. It’s cheesy, it’s rich, and it’s just what you need on those days when only mac and cheese will do.