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–+ servings
mac and cheese in a bowl

One Pot Mac and Cheese

One-pot mac and cheese is a creamy, cheesy delight that combines convenience with the rich flavors of cheddar cheese and a medley of creamy ingredients for a memorable meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 372 kcal

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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 372kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 14gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 526mgPotassium: 312mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 118mgIron: 1mg
Keyword creamy cheese sauce, easy recipe, mac and cheese, perfect side dish
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