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One Pot Mac and Cheese

This creamy One Pot Mac and Cheese is a comforting dish that's perfect for busy evenings, packed with flavors and easy to prepare.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups water For boiling pasta
  • 1 cup milk Use whole or 2% milk for creaminess
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Feel free to mix types for variety
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. In a large pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and salt, cooking according to the package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes.
Mixing Ingredients
  1. Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat and add in 1 cup of milk, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Stir well to combine.
Melt the Cheese
  1. Gradually sprinkle in the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy. If it appears too thick, add a splash more milk to reach your desired consistency.
Serving
  1. Once everything is melted and gooey, remove the pot from the heat and scoop out portions into bowls. Garnish with your favorite toppings if desired and enjoy!

Notes

Feel free to mix in different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or a sprinkle of Parmesan for added depth. Add in some cooked broccoli or spinach to incorporate nutrition without sacrificing flavor. Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks; overcooking can lead to mushy granules.