Creamy One-Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe: Cozy Comfort in Minutes

Comfort meets convenience in this delightful one-pot mac and cheese that promises to satisfy your cheesy cravings.

Weeknight dinners never looked so good with this simple yet indulgent mac and cheese recipe.

Rich, velvety cheese sauce coats every single pasta shell, creating a mouthwatering experience that screams pure deliciousness.

The magic happens when you combine just a few pantry staples to create something truly spectacular.

Each bite delivers a creamy, luxurious texture that melts in your mouth and warms your soul.

This recipe transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary comfort food moment.

Prepare to be amazed by how effortlessly you can whip up this crowd-pleasing classic that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What’s Inside One-Pot Mac and Cheese

• Macaroni: Hearty pasta that cradles the creamy cheese sauce perfectly, choose a high-quality brand for best texture.
• Water, Milk, Broth: Liquid trio creating a rich cooking environment for pasta, use low-sodium broth for better flavor control.

• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle aromatic depth without harsh raw garlic bite.
• Onion Powder: Provides gentle sweet undertone that complements cheese.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor boosters that balance and elevate the entire dish.

• Butter: Adds luxurious richness and silky smooth texture to the mac and cheese.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that provides classic tangy flavor profile.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces nutty, complex layer that deepens overall cheese experience.

Cooking Gear for Mac and Cheese Made in One Pot

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking pasta and creating the entire mac and cheese dish in one pan.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring pasta and mixing cheese to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure milk, broth, and water for the perfect sauce consistency.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for shredding fresh cheddar and Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor and smooth melting.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping fresh parsley as a garnish, if desired.

How to Simmer Up a One-Pot Mac and Cheese

• Launch Cheesy Pasta Adventure

Grab a big pot and toss in macaroni with milk, broth, water, and seasonings. Fire up the stove and bring everything to a rolling boil while stirring occasionally.

• Create Pasta Magic

Lower the heat and let your pasta dance and simmer, stirring often to prevent sticking. Cook until noodles are tender and liquid is nearly absorbed.

• Melt Cheese Wonderland

Pull the pot off the heat and introduce butter and cheese. Swirl and stir until a velvety, dreamy sauce coats every single noodle.

• Perfect Your Creamy Masterpiece

Check the sauce thickness. If it’s too clingy, splash in some extra milk or broth. Taste and adjust seasonings for maximum flavor punch.

• Serve and Celebrate

Dish out your golden, gooey creation. Sprinkle some fresh herbs or extra cheese on top for a final touch of deliciousness.

Mac and Cheese Upgrades to Try Next Time

• Use a wooden spoon to stir and prevent pasta from sticking, ensuring a smooth and even texture throughout the dish.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère, monterey jack, or gouda to create unique flavor profiles that elevate the classic mac and cheese.
• Transform this recipe into a gluten-free version by using gluten-free pasta, or make it vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth and ensuring all cheese is vegetarian-friendly.
• Boost nutritional value by adding cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or sautéed vegetables like spinach or broccoli directly into the mac and cheese for a more substantial meal.
• Prepare the mac and cheese in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or lunch leftovers.

Serving One-Pot Mac and Cheese Without Fuss

• Cheesy Companion Plate: Pair this mac and cheese with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with crispy bacon bits, grilled chicken strips, or diced ham to transform this comfort food into a hearty complete meal.
• Veggie Boost: Mix in roasted broccoli florets, sautéed spinach, or caramelized onions to add nutrition and extra flavor layers to the creamy mac and cheese.
• Crunchy Topping Twist: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or herb-seasoned panko on top for a delightful textural contrast that adds a satisfying crunch to each bite.

How to Store One-Pot Mac and Cheese the Smart Way

• Measure servings carefully to avoid overeating. One cup typically serves as a satisfying side dish, while two cups work perfectly as a main course for adults.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Properly stored mac and cheese stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining its creamy texture when reheated gently.
• Revive cold mac and cheese by adding a splash of milk before microwaving. Stir every 30 seconds to distribute heat evenly and prevent dry spots. Use medium power to keep the sauce smooth and prevent separation.
• Cool the dish completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Mac and cheese can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly, stirring occasionally to restore its original creamy consistency.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 460 kcal

Servings: 4

Creamy One-Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy, comforting one-pot mac and cheese brings classic American comfort to your dinner table in minutes. Rich cheese sauce mingles with perfectly cooked pasta, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor down to the last cheesy bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (60 g) shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 2 cups (200 g) elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice)
• 2 cups (480 ml) milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 2 tbsps butter
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp mustard powder (optional)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs (for a bit of crunch)

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Instructions

1. Liquid Infusion: Merge macaroni, milk, broth, water, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into a large pot, creating a flavor-packed cooking environment.
2. Pasta Transformation: Elevate heat to medium, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil while gently stirring to prevent pasta adhesion, then reduce temperature and allow gentle simmering for 8-10 minutes until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.
3. Cheese Fusion: Remove pot from heat source, introducing butter, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese, stirring vigorously to create a luxurious, velvety sauce that coats every pasta curve.
4. Texture Calibration: Assess sauce consistency, incorporating additional milk or broth if needed to achieve a smooth, silky texture, and fine-tune seasoning with strategic salt and pepper adjustments.
5. Culinary Presentation: Transfer mac and cheese to serving dishes, optional garnishing with fresh parsley or an elegant cheese sprinkle, ready to delight taste buds as a comforting main course or accompaniment.

Notes

• Stir frequently during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even liquid absorption, avoiding dry or mushy texture.
• Remove pot from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency without graininess.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or smoked gouda to elevate the classic recipe’s taste complexity.
• Substitute dairy milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk, and use gluten-free pasta for vegetarian or lactose-intolerant dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg