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Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
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Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese is a quick and easy comfort food classic featuring tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich, velvety cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this one-pot recipe eliminates oven fuss and delivers luscious, cheesy indulgence in under 30 minutes with customizable options for extra cheese, spice, veggies, or dairy-free adaptations.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni pasta

Cheese Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk (or a blend of milk and cream)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water and cooking the macaroni until just al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain well and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later if needed.
  2. Make the Roux: In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it turns light golden and smells toasty, forming a smooth paste that will thicken the sauce.
  3. Add Milk Slowly: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to keep the mixture smooth. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook until it starts to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the Cheese: Remove from heat and gradually add shredded cheddar cheese in batches, stirring until each addition melts completely and the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and optional mustard powder.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained macaroni back into the cheese sauce and stir to coat every piece evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water for the perfect consistency.

Notes

  • Use fresh cheese instead of pre-shredded to avoid grainy sauce.
  • Under-cook pasta slightly, as it will soften when mixed with cheese sauce.
  • Keep heat moderate to prevent cheese from separating or clumping.
  • Stir constantly while making the sauce to maintain smoothness.
  • Add cheeses and seasonings gradually for balanced flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, stovetop mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, quick dinner

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/creamy-stovetop-mac-and-cheese/