Mascarpone and Cheddar Mac and Cheese

• elbow macaroni↗1 lb
• unsalted butter↗2 tablespoons
• heavy cream (35% butterfat)↗1⁄2 cup
• mascarpone↗8 ounces
• cheddar cheese, grated↗8 ounces
• salt, to taste↗
• ground black pepper, to taste↗
• hot sauce (optional)↗

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Prepare macaroni according to package directions.

2. 2

   While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large pot. Add cream and bring to a simmer. Add mascarpone and stir until melted and smooth. Add salt, pepper, hot sauce (if using) and cheddar; stir until melted and smooth.

3. 3

   Drain pasta, reserving some of the pasta cooking water. Add hot pasta to cheese sauce and stir until coated. If it seems too thick, add pasta water, 1 tbsp at a time, until desired consistency achieved. Serve at once.