If you have a hankering for creamy, cheesy comfort food but dread the extra step of boiling pasta first, this No-Boil Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is about to become your new best friend. This dish brilliantly combines pantry staples into a bubbling casserole that cooks the pasta right in the sauce, resulting in irresistibly creamy, richly cheesy mac and cheese with a perfectly golden crust. It’s straightforward, mess-free, and offers that cozy homemade vibe everyone loves. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you ever boiled macaroni first!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this No-Boil Macaroni and Cheese Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component brings something special—whether it’s flavor, texture, or that luscious cheesy color that makes your heart sing. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before starting:
- Elbow macaroni (16 oz): The classic pasta shape that traps sauce perfectly, making every bite cheesy and satisfying.
- Milk (1 cup): Adds creaminess and helps create a smooth cheese sauce without heaviness; 1% milk works perfectly here.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): This infuses a gentle savory depth, replacing plain water and helping the pasta cook tenderly right in the dish.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (4 cups): The star ingredient delivering sharp, melty goodness that makes mac and cheese iconic.
- Cream cheese, softened and cubed (8 oz): Adds luscious creaminess and a subtle tang, making the texture ultra-smooth and rich.
- Onion salt (2 tsp): Seasoning that elevates the overall flavor with a hint of savory sweetness.
- Dry mustard (1 tsp): Perfect for a gentle tang and just a hint of complexity to balance the cheeses.
- Fresh ground pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and spice to round out the flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour (½ cup): This thickens the sauce beautifully as it bakes, ensuring each spoonful is creamy and luscious.
How to Make No-Boil Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 375ºF. While it’s warming up, lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. This little step makes sure your mac and cheese releases easily after baking and helps with cleanup.
Step 2: Mix Your Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the uncooked elbow macaroni, milk, and chicken broth. Then add in the shredded cheddar, cream cheese cubes, onion salt, dry mustard, fresh ground pepper, and flour. Stir everything together with a large wooden spoon until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The key here is to press the noodles down into the liquid so they’re fully submerged—this helps them cook evenly without leaving any dry, crunchy pasta behind.
Step 3: Bake Until Perfectly Cooked
Pour your cheesy pasta mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing it out so the noodles remain fully covered by the liquid. Pop the dish in the oven uncovered and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. During this time, the pasta softens as it soaks up those glorious flavors, and the sauce thickens into creamy perfection.
Step 4: Brown the Top for the Ultimate Finish
For the final touch, switch on your oven broiler for the last two minutes of baking to create that irresistible golden-brown crust on top. Keep a close eye to avoid burning, and once beautifully browned, take your No-Boil Macaroni and Cheese Recipe out and let it cool slightly before diving in.
How to Serve No-Boil Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little extra sparkle, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives on top after baking for a pop of color and freshness. If you want an extra crunch, toasted breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter make a delightful topping right before broiling.
Side Dishes
This mac and cheese pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or broccoli, or even some tangy coleslaw to balance the rich creaminess. For a heartier meal, grilled chicken or barbecue ribs turn this dish into a full-on feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Set this up as a crowd-pleasing casserole at potlucks or family dinners. For individual servings, bake portions in ramekins and broil until bubbly and golden for an elegant touch. You can even elevate it by mixing in cooked bacon bits, caramelized onions, or your favorite peppers before baking for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover No-Boil Macaroni and Cheese Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. When stored properly, it keeps that creamy flavor intact, though the sauce may thicken a bit overnight.
Freezing
To freeze, allow the mac and cheese to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350ºF, covered with foil to prevent drying out, or defrost in the microwave with short intervals, stirring halfway through. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of milk to revive that creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this No-Boil Macaroni and Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with varieties like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even a smoked cheese to add a unique twist. Just be mindful of how melting-friendly the cheese is.
Why doesn’t the pasta need to be boiled beforehand?
The liquid mixture of milk and chicken broth in this recipe allows the dry pasta to cook fully during baking, absorbing all those delicious flavors and creating a creamy sauce right in the casserole dish—saving time and reducing cleanup.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and your No-Boil Macaroni and Cheese Recipe will remain just as tasty without any meat-based ingredients.
What if I don’t have cream cheese on hand?
You can omit the cream cheese if needed, though it really enhances the creaminess. Adding extra shredded cheese or a splash of cream can help make up for it in texture and flavor.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free elbow macaroni and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Just be sure to follow the baking times closely, as some gluten-free pastas cook faster.
Final Thoughts
This No-Boil Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving a rich, cheesy, comforting meal without the fuss of boiling pasta separately. It’s simple, reliable, and delivers creamy, cheesy goodness from first bite to last. Give it a try, and I guarantee it will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation. Your family and friends will thank you!
Print
No-Boil Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This No-Boil Macaroni and Cheese recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic without the extra step of boiling pasta. Made by combining uncooked elbow macaroni directly with milk, chicken broth, cheeses, and seasonings, then baked in the oven until perfectly tender and golden on top, it’s a convenient and delicious twist on traditional mac and cheese.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 (16-oz) package elbow macaroni
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp onion salt
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- Fresh ground pepper, to taste
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (1% used)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (8-oz) package softened cream cheese, cubed (light cream cheese used)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the uncooked elbow macaroni, milk, and chicken broth. Add the flour, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese cubes, onion salt, dry mustard, and freshly ground pepper. Stir thoroughly with a wooden spoon until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Ensure the pasta is well-coated and submerged in the liquid mixture for even cooking; press noodles down if needed.
- Bake the Casserole: Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes or until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened and become creamy.
- Broil for Browning: For the last 2 minutes of baking, turn your oven broiler on to brown and crisp the top layer of the mac and cheese, giving it a delicious golden crust. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. This helps the sauce to set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Ensure all pasta is submerged in the liquid mixture before baking to guarantee even cooking.
- Using light cream cheese reduces fat but maintains creaminess.
- Feel free to substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.
- Broiling time may vary based on your oven; keep an eye to avoid burning the topping.
- This recipe can easily be doubled for a larger crowd by using a bigger baking dish and adjusting time accordingly.
