Description
Easy Mac and Cheese is a quick, creamy, and cheesy stovetop recipe made with simple ingredients—perfect for weeknight meals, kids’ lunches, or cozy comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
8 oz elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add milk and heat until warm.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in cheese, a handful at a time, until melted and smooth.
- Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta back to the pot and stir until well coated.
- Serve hot, straight from the pot.
Notes
Add grated Parmesan for extra depth of flavor.
Use half-and-half for a richer sauce.
Mix in bacon, peas, or shredded chicken for heartiness.
Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
