Quick & Easy Mac & Cheese

This quick and easy mac and cheese comes together in just one pot on the stovetop, with no draining and no separate sauce to make. The pasta cooks right in the pot, and its starchy cooking liquid combines with butter, milk, and melted cheese to create a smooth, creamy sauce that clings to every noodle. Fast, comforting, and easy to clean up, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, a kid-friendly lunch, or a cozy side dish.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Rest before serving (10–15 minutes) 15

Total Time 45

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings servings

Calories 570 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb large elbow macaroni
8 cups water
1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste if needed
½ cup butter
1 ½ cups milk
4-5 cups cheese see notes

Instructions

Bring the water and salt to a boil in a large pot. Add the macaroni and cook over medium heat until most, but not all, of the water is absorbed. Do not drain: the starch in the remaining water thickens the dish.
Stir in the butter, milk, and cheese until melted.
Let stand for 10–15 minutes before serving to thicken. Add salt if needed.

Notes

Do not drain: Cook until most, but not all, of the water is absorbed. Keep the remaining starchy water to thicken the mac and cheese.

Pasta: This recipe uses large elbow macaroni. Ziti or medium shells are the preferred alternatives. Regular elbow macaroni works, but the sauce doesn’t get inside the noodles as well.

Cheese: Half American and half mild cheddar is best. Half American and half Colby Jack is another good option. If using sharp cheddar, reduce the total cheese to about 3–3 1/2 cups.

Nutrition

Calories: 570kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 22gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 19gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 92mgSodium: 784mgPotassium: 242mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 995IUCalcium: 478mgIron: 1mg

Keyword mac and cheese, no drain macaroni and cheese, one pot mac and cheese, one pot stovetop mac and cheese, quick and easy mac and cheese, stovetop mac and cheese

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Nutrition Information

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Quick & Easy Mac & Cheese