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Creamy Macaroni Royal served in a white bowl with golden crust on top.

Macaroni Royal Joy: Easy Steps For A Decadent Meal

A luxurious and easy-to-make macaroni dish featuring a rich, creamy three-cheese sauce. Macaroni Royal takes the classic comfort food to the next level, perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a special dinner for guests.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, European
Calories: 810
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Core Ingredients
  • 2 cups (about 225g) Macaroni Use elbow, cavatappi, or your favorite short pasta.
  • 1 cup (240ml) Heavy Cream For a rich, velvety sauce.
  • 1 cup (100g) Gruyère cheese Shredded, adds a nutty flavor.
  • ½ cup (50g) Parmesan cheese Grated, for a sharp, savory kick.
  • 1 cup (100g) Cheddar cheese Shredded, for melt-in-your-mouth creaminess.
  • 3 tablespoons (45g) Butter For the roux and richness.
  • 3 tablespoons (25g) All-Purpose Flour To thicken the sauce.
  • 1 ½ cups (360ml) Milk For the béchamel base.
  • Salt For pasta water and to taste.
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper Or to taste.
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1 cup (100g) Mushrooms Sliced and sautéed.
  • 1 cup (150g) Chicken Cooked and diced.
  • ½ cup (50g) Breadcrumbs For a crunchy topping.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • saucepan
  • whisk
  • Casserole dish
  • Cheese grater

Method
 

  1. Prepare Oven and Pasta:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups (225g) of macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Create the Creamy Sauce:
    In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until it thickens. Reduce heat to low and stir in the Gruyère, Parmesan, and Cheddar cheeses until fully melted. Season with black pepper and salt to taste.
  3. Assemble and Bake:
    In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. If adding chicken or mushrooms, stir them in now. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. For the topping, toss ½ cup of breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the macaroni. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

Notes

Pro Tip: For the best results, use high-quality pasta like Barilla or De Cecco. These brands offer excellent texture that holds up beautifully in rich sauces, ensuring your Macaroni Royal turns out perfectly every time.