Description
Creamy stovetop mac and cheese made with fun pasta shapes and a smooth cheese sauce. A quick, kid-friendly dinner that’s perfect for comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz fun-shaped pasta (or elbow macaroni)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (mild or sharp)
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack (or mozzarella for extra melt)
- 2 oz cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 tsp salt (plus more for pasta water)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 tsp mustard powder (optional, boosts cheesy flavor)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot (or a saucepan), melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly, until lightly bubbly.
- Slowly pour in milk while whisking to keep it smooth. Cook 3–5 minutes, whisking often, until thickened.
- Lower heat to low. Stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese (if using) until fully melted and silky.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and mustard powder.
- Add drained pasta back into the cheese sauce and stir until every piece is coated. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother melt.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg