Queso Mac and Cheese

A casserole pan of Mac and cheese, with a serving spoon in it.

Queso Mac and Cheese is a delicious combination of classic mac and cheese and your favorite queso dip combined into one dish and then baked in the oven until golden brown and cheesy. Tender spiral shaped pasta, creamy cheesy sauce, and a hint of spice make this a favorite!

Course Dinner, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Mexican

Keyword queso mac and cheese

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1

Servings

Calories 459kcal

Author Jessica - Together as Family

Ingredients

1 box (16 oz) cellentani pasta
16 oz Velveeta Queso Blanco
2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 block (8 oz) Pepper Jack cheese shredded
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (mild, medium, or spicy heat)
8 oz queso quesadilla cheese (or 2 cups shredded)
chopped fresh cilantro (optional garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, making sure to salt the pasta water. Drain the pasta in a colander when it's done cooking but do not rinse it!
1 box (16 oz) cellentani pasta
In a large pot, over medium heat, add the Velveeta queso blanco, milk, cumin garlic powder, and salt. Let it cook, while stirring frequently, until the velveeta cheese has fully melted.
16 oz Velveeta Queso Blanco, 2 cups whole milk, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Stir in the shredded Pepper Jack cheese and the diced green chilies. Continue to cook until all of the cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
1 block (8 oz) Pepper Jack cheese, 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
Stir the cooked and drained pasta into the cheese sauce until it's mixed well and all the pasta is covered in the cheese sauce. Transfer the mac and cheese to the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle the queso quesadilla cheese over top.
8 oz queso quesadilla cheese
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and the sides are bubbly.
Sprinkle the top with chopped fresh cilantro (if using), serve & enjoy!
chopped fresh cilantro

Notes

Queso Quesadilla cheese is a blend of cheeses that can usually be found by the shredded bagged cheese at the store. I buy it pre shredded in the bag.

For the best creamy and smooth melt, I highly recommend buying a 8 ounce block of Pepper Jack cheese and shredding it yourself using a box cheese grater.

Any similar shaped pasta will work just fine in this recipe; ziti, penne, farfalle, shells, etc.

Use more or less salt as needed. I salt the pasta water pretty well so I usually only add 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Taste the cheese sauce and add more or less salt as needed depending on your preference.

Nutrition