Ridiculously Easy Macaroni and Cheese

• porcie: 4 servings

Ingrediencie

1 pound elbows, mini shells, mini ziti, or your favorite macaroni shape

3/4 cup heavy cream

8 to 10 slices individually-wrapped yellow American cheese (yup, the plastic-wrapped kind -- a better quality brand if you can find it, like Cabot's)

1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

1/4 cup full-fat grated cheddar or cheddar blend

8 slices crispy bacon, roughly chopped (optional)

Postup

Cook pasta to al dente. Drain. Set aside.

Heat cream in same pasta pot over medium low heat. Remove plastic wrap from cheese and add to pot. Stir. Add remaining cheese and stir until melted.

Taste for desired cheesiness. If not cheesy enough, add another slice or two of American cheese. If too thick, add another splash of cream.

Return cooked pasta to pot and mix well with a gentle hand. Scoop into pasta bowls and serve with bacon sprinkled on top, if desired.