Creamy, No-Fuss One-Pot Mac And Cheese Recipe

When comfort calls, nothing soothes the soul quite like a creamy one-pot mac and cheese that promises pure culinary bliss.

Cheesy, rich, and incredibly satisfying, this dish brings warmth to your table in mere minutes.

The magic happens with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, making it a weeknight dinner champion.

Pasta lovers rejoice as each forkful delivers a velvety embrace of melted cheese and perfectly cooked noodles.

Simple ingredients transform into a luxurious meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Hungry diners will fall in love with this effortless recipe that proves gourmet doesn’t mean complicated.

Prepare to experience mac and cheese nirvana that will become your new go-to comfort food.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Breakdown For One-Pot Mac And Cheese

• Elbow Macaroni: Holds the creamy sauce perfectly, choose high-quality pasta for best texture.
• Chicken Broth, Vegetable Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps cook pasta, select low-sodium versions for better control.
• Water: Helps create ideal pasta cooking environment, use filtered water for clean taste.
• Milk: Provides creamy foundation, whole milk works best for richness.

• Garlic Powder: Introduces subtle aromatic warmth without fresh garlic chunks.
• Onion Powder: Delivers sweet underlying flavor, enhances overall dish complexity.
• Mustard Powder: Adds gentle tangy undertone, elevates cheese flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balanced seasoning, freshly ground pepper recommended.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melts smoothly, creates luxurious texture and rich flavor.
• Butter: Contributes silky smoothness and rich taste, use high-quality unsalted butter.
• Heavy Cream: Optional but makes sauce exceptionally creamy and indulgent.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers sharp finishing note, grate fresh for best flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides bright garnish and fresh herbal accent.

Tools And Supplies For One-Pot Mac And Cheese

• Large Pot: Essential for cooking and mixing all ingredients in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring pasta and ensuring even cooking without scratching the pot.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions and consistent flavor.
• Cheese Grater: Helpful for shredding fresh cheese if not using pre-shredded varieties.
• Optional Kitchen Knife: Useful for chopping parsley or other garnishes.

How To Make One-Pot Mac And Cheese

• Combine All Ingredients

Toss pasta, milk, broth, water, and seasonings into a large pot. The magic begins with this simple mixing action that sets the stage for a creamy, delicious meal.

• Create the Cheesy Base

Heat the mixture until it gently bubbles, stirring occasionally. Let the pasta soften and absorb the flavorful liquid, transforming into a dreamy comfort food foundation.

• Melt and Blend

Add cheese and butter, stirring until everything melts into a silky, smooth sauce. Swirl in cream for extra richness, making sure every pasta piece gets coated with cheesy goodness.

• Finish and Serve

Pull the pot off the heat and let it rest for a moment. Sprinkle with fresh herbs or a quick topping for extra flavor. Dive into this quick, satisfying one-pot wonder that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Helpful Ideas And Tweaks For One-Pot Mac And Cheese

• Cheese Lover's Dream: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or pepper jack for a unique flavor profile.
• Texture Boosters: Crisp up breadcrumbs in a skillet with butter and sprinkle on top for an irresistible crunchy texture that adds delightful contrast.
• Protein Power-Up: Fold in cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken to transform this mac and cheese into a hearty main dish.
• Veggie-Friendly Twist: Stir in roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach to boost nutrition and add vibrant color to the classic comfort dish.
• Dietary Modifications: Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. For a lighter option, substitute whole milk with low-fat milk and use reduced-fat cheeses.

How To Serve One-Pot Mac And Cheese With Style

• Salad Symphony: Toss a crisp mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the mac and cheese.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken strips, crispy bacon bits, or sautéed shrimp on top to transform this comfort dish into a hearty main course.
• Veggie Boost: Mix in roasted broccoli florets, sautéed spinach, or caramelized bell peppers to increase nutritional value and add vibrant colors and textures to the creamy pasta.
• Crunch Factor: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or crispy fried onions on top to introduce a delightful textural contrast to the smooth, cheesy mac.

One-Pot Mac And Cheese Prep And Storage Tips

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain creamy texture.
• Quick Reheating Trick: Warm gently in microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore smoothness. Stir frequently to prevent cheese from separating or becoming grainy.
• Freezing Strategy: Freeze mac and cheese in portion-sized containers for convenient future meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat carefully to maintain original consistency.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare this dish in advance for busy weeknights. Components can be refrigerated separately – cooked pasta and cheese sauce – then combined when ready to serve for maximum freshness.

Creamy One-Pot Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy one-pot mac and cheese blends rich cheddar with smooth pasta for a comforting meal. Cheese lovers will savor this simple, hearty dish that brings warmth to any dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (200 g) elbow macaroni
• 2 cups (480 ml) milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• 2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tbsps butter
• ½ cup (60 g) mozzarella, shredded (optional, for extra creaminess)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp mustard powder (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs (for a bit of crunch)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Fusion: Combine uncooked pasta, milk, broth, water, and dry seasonings in a large pot, ensuring even distribution of ingredients for a harmonious base.
2. Heat Orchestration: Place pot over medium heat, gently stirring to prevent pasta adhesion and allow liquid to reach a gentle bubble, initiating the cooking symphony.
3. Simmer Transformation: Lower temperature to create a delicate simmer, allowing pasta to absorb liquid gradually while stirring occasionally to ensure uniform cooking and prevent burning.
4. Texture Perfection: Evaluate pasta’s tenderness around 8-10 minutes, confirming al dente consistency and monitoring liquid reduction for optimal results.
5. Cheese Melding: Introduce shredded cheddar and mozzarella, stirring continuously to create a silky, glossy coating that embraces each pasta morsel, transforming the dish into a creamy masterpiece.
6. Enrichment Stage: Incorporate butter and optional heavy cream, allowing them to meld seamlessly and elevate the sauce’s richness and velvety texture.
7. Consistency Calibration: Adjust sauce thickness by incrementally adding milk or broth, achieving a luxurious consistency that delicately coats the pasta.
8. Presentation Finale: Transfer mac and cheese to serving dishes, optionally adorning with fresh parsley, Parmesan, or crunchy topping to introduce textural complexity, and pair with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir frequently during initial cooking to stop pasta from clumping or burning at the bottom of the pot.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Remove pot from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce without graininess.
• Liquid Absorption Trick: Watch pasta carefully during simmering; different pasta shapes may require slight adjustments in liquid quantities and cooking time.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk for lactose-free version, and use gluten-free pasta for celiac-friendly option.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg