Description
This Crockpot Mac and Cheese with Cream Cheese is a rich and creamy comfort food favorite made effortlessly in a slow cooker. Featuring a blend of sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheeses with a touch of cayenne for added warmth, this recipe delivers perfectly chewy, al dente pasta bathed in a luscious, velvety cheese sauce. Ideal for busy days or casual gatherings, it’s a hands-off recipe that yields indulgent results.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Cheese Base
- 1 pound cellentani (corkscrew) pasta (uncooked, or other small pasta shape)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (sliced into tablespoon-sized pieces)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (cut into 1 ounce pieces)
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar preferred)
- 1 cup freshly shredded pepper jack cheese
Seasoning and Liquids
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Pour the uncooked pasta into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Evenly scatter the sliced butter and cream cheese pieces over the pasta to start building the creamy base.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Sprinkle kosher salt and cayenne pepper over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Pour in the whole milk and heavy cream. Stir everything gently to combine and smooth the pasta into one even layer coated in the milky sauce.
- Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 1 to 2 hours. Check after 1 hour to test pasta texture—it should be chewy and al dente, not crunchy. Adjust cook time as needed depending on your slow cooker and pasta type.
- Midway Stirring: About halfway through cooking, open the lid and stir gently to ensure even cooking and coating. Smooth the pasta back into an even layer after stirring.
- Add Shredded Cheeses: Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheeses on top. Stir them into the hot pasta and sauce, then cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheeses to melt and blend into a creamy sauce.
- Final Stir and Serve: Give the mac and cheese a final stir to ensure the sauce is smooth and creamy. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.
Notes
- Use cellentani or other small shaped pasta for best sauce coating.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your spice preference or omit for a milder dish.
- Start checking pasta doneness after 1 hour to avoid overcooking.
- This recipe yields about 6 to 8 servings, perfect for families or small gatherings.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties due to less anti-caking agents.
- Stirring midway helps prevent pasta sticking and promotes even cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crockpot mac and cheese, slow cooker mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, easy cheesy pasta
