
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
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
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
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
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
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)
Excellente recette! J'ai suivi les instructions à la lettre et le résultat était parfait. Ma femme a adoré.
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.
This recipe is a keeper. Great balance of flavours and the cooking times are spot on. My new favourite pasta dish.
Chef Luca Bianchi
Head Chef & Recipe Developer
Red Seal Certified Chef


