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Copycat Boston Market Mac & Cheese

A rich and creamy copycat recipe for the famous Boston Market Mac & Cheese, featuring tender rotini pasta smothered in a glossy, savory cheddar sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Pasta Base
  • 1 lb dried rotini pasta
  • 4 quarts water for boiling
  • 1 tbsp salt for pasta water
Cheese Sauce
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2.5 cups whole milk
  • 0.5 tsp salt to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 tsp turmeric for color
  • 0.25 tsp paprika
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
  • 3 slices American cheese deli style

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Cheese Grater

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini and cook until al dente (about 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and pale golden.
  3. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  4. Stir in the salt, black pepper, turmeric, and paprika.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Add the American cheese slices and stir until melted. Add the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, whisking until smooth.
  6. Remove sauce from heat immediately once cheese is melted to prevent separating.
  7. Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked rotini and stir gently to coat evenly. Let sit for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra creaminess, you can substitute half a cup of milk with heavy cream.