Supreme Macaroni & Cheese

Submitted by CrazyRedHead

"I found this recipe in a Southern Lady magazine (along with many other good ones), and the magazine is so dilapidated from using the recipe(s) so much, that I figured I should get it down here for future use. This is a favorite family recipe, used at Christmas and other holidays as well for comfort food, and especially warming on a crisp Fall or Winter day."

 

• Ready In: 30mins
• Ingredients: 8
• Serves: 10-12

ingredients

• 4 cups milk
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
• 1⁄2 cup butter
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta
• 2 cups parmesan cheese, freshly grated, divided
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• paprika

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 13x9-inch baking dish; set aside.
2. In a Dutch oven, combine milk, 1 cup cream, butter, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add pasta; cook for 12 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; add 1 cup Parmesan cheese, stirring until cheese is melted. (Or, you can simply have already boiled pasta and then add the cooked and drained pasta into the cream mixture, and then stir in the Parmesan cheese. You can also add a cup of shredded cheddar cheese, if you desire). (You can also substitute the pasta for peeled and cut cooked potatoes for a lovely scalloped or au gratin potatoes).
3. Spoon pasta mixture into prepared baking dish. (Stir in chunks of cooked ham, if desired). Pour remaining 1 cup cream over pasta. Top with remaining 1 cup Parmesan cheese (and some shredded cheddar cheese, too, if you wish). Evenly sprinkle parsley and paprika over top of cheese. Bake for 20 minutes, or until lightly browned and bubbly.