Description
This velvety stovetop mac & cheese is a rich, creamy comfort dish made with tender macaroni and a smooth cheese sauce. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s the perfect homemade meal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or gouda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until fully liquid.
- Pour in the milk and stir gently while heating until the mixture is warm but not boiling.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese while stirring constantly until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce.
- Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika if desired.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy mixture.
- Cook for another 1–2 minutes while stirring to thicken the sauce slightly.
- Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the velvety texture.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest and creamiest sauce.
- Keep the heat low when melting cheese to prevent a grainy texture.
- Whole milk creates the richest flavor, but half-and-half can be used for extra creaminess.
- Slightly undercook the pasta so it stays firm after mixing with the sauce.
- Add cooked bacon, chicken, or vegetables for delicious variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: velvety stovetop mac & cheese, creamy mac and cheese recipe, homemade mac and cheese, easy stovetop mac and cheese, comfort food pasta recipe