Quick Creamy Mac Cheese Stovetop (Printable Version)

Rich mac and cheese with a velvety sauce, made in one pot in under 20 minutes for easy comfort.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta & Sauce

01 - 8 ounces elbow macaroni
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1/2 cup whole milk
04 - 1/2 cup cream cheese
05 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
06 - Salt, to taste
07 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Boil elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
02 - In the same pot over low heat, melt butter. Add milk and cream cheese, stirring constantly until a smooth sauce forms.
03 - Add shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir continuously until cheese is completely melted and sauce is homogenous.
04 - Return drained macaroni to the pot. Gently fold to coat pasta evenly in cheese sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Ready in just twenty minutes from start to finish
  • Made with easy to find ingredients you probably already have
  • Ultra creamy texture that kids and adults both love
  • Customizable with different cheeses or spices for variety
  • Makes a rich filling main or the perfect side
02 -
  • High in protein from real cheese
  • Freezes surprisingly well in single portions
  • Works with whole wheat or gluten free pasta too
03 -
  • Always shred your own cheese from a block for the smoothest melting Pre grated cheeses have coatings that keep them from melting perfectly
  • Do not let the cheese sauce boil or it can turn gritty Keep the heat low and stir patiently
  • For quick cleanup use the same pot for everything Start with boiling the pasta drain set aside then use the empty pot for the sauce