One Pot Mac and Cheese
Craving homemade mac and cheese but dread the mountain of dishes that usually accompany it? Enter the one-pot mac and cheese – your new best friend on busy weeknights.
This easy stovetop macaroni recipe promises creamy, cheesy goodness with minimal cleanup, making it the perfect dish for those looking for a quick and satisfying meal. So, let’s dive into how to make this family favorite that combines the classic mac with the ease of a single-pot preparation.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley leaves, optional
Get the full printable recipe with instructions in the recipe card below.
Oven barbecue ribs from Cafe Delites are a great main dish to serve with mac and cheese.
How To Make One Pot Mac and Cheese
- Add the butter to a large saucepan and melt over low-medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously, until the milk is incorporated with the flour.
- Next, add the chicken broth, dry macaroni elbows, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder into the saucepan and stir until well combined. Increase the heat to medium-high, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer uncovered for around 10 minutes, stirring regularly, until the pasta is al-dente.
- Finally, add the shredded cheese to the pasta and stir until well combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat. Garnish the mac and cheese with the finely chopped parsley.
Customizing Your Mac
For those who like their mac and cheese with a bit of a kick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of mustard powder to the mix. And if you’re all about texture, a handful of bread crumbs or crushed Ritz Crackers tossed over the top and broiled in the oven for a few minutes can add a delightful crunch. Want to keep it creamy? A splash of milk or heavy cream can adjust the consistency to your liking.
Like to try different cheeses? Give some Colby Jack, white cheddar, American cheese, or some asiago cheese a try. Sprinkle a little fresh parmesan cheese on top for a little more flavor. Whether you’re a fan of sharp cheddar, creamy Monterey Jack, or the bold flavors of pepper jack, feel free to mix and match to find your perfect combination of cheeses.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try adding some different types of pasta shapes into the mix or even some veggies or ground beef for a more rounded meal?
Leftover Mac and Cheese Tips
Got leftovers? No problem! Store your one-pot mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, and you’ve got a delicious meal ready to go. When reheating, add a little milk or chicken broth to bring back that creamy texture. Cook in the microwave or on the stovetop.
FAQs
- Can I use pre-shredded cheese for my one-pot mac and cheese? Yes, pre-shredded cheese can be used for convenience, but shredding your own cheese from a block might melt better and give you a smoother sauce.
- What can I add to my mac and cheese to make it more flavorful? Experiment with spices like garlic salt, onion powder, or even a little parmesan and cream cheese for depth of flavor.
- How can I make my mac and cheese creamier? Using whole milk or a combination of milk and cream will give you the creamiest sauce. Adjust the amount of liquid if you prefer it to be thicker or thinner.
- Is one-pot mac and cheese healthier than the boxed version? Making mac and cheese from scratch allows you to control the ingredients, making it a healthier option than many boxed versions that may contain preservatives and artificial flavors.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and flour to make a roux for a gluten-free version.
More Delicious Recipes
One-pot mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food that combines ease, flavor, and versatility and will get everyone to the dinner table fast. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying your hand at homemade mac for the first time, this dish is sure to impress. So, embrace the simplicity of this method and make your next meal not just delicious but effortless.
One Pot Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 2 cups 2% milk
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mild or sharp cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley leaves optional
Instructions
- Add the butter to a large saucepan and melt over medium low heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously, until the milk is incorporated with the flour.
- Next, add the chicken broth, dry macaroni elbows, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder into the saucepan and stir until well combined. Increase the heat to medium-high, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer uncovered for around 10 minutes, stirring regularly, until the pasta is al-dente.
- Finally, add the shredded cheese to the pasta and stir until well combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat. Garnish the mac and cheese with the finely chopped parsley.
Notes
- I like to use a whisk while mixing the flour and milk to get all of the lumps out.
- This mac and cheese could be made without the addition of flour. However, the sauce may not be quite as thick.
- Add a small amount of water to the saucepan if the liquid is reducing too quickly before the pasta has cooked through.
- You can add grilled sliced chicken or some cooked ground beef to the mac and cheese for added protein.
- Add pureed pumpkin with the chicken broth for a pumpkin mac and cheese.
