Easy Homemade Stovetop Mac & Cheese Recipe

Stovetop Mac & Cheese

Nothing beats the comfort of a creamy stovetop mac and cheese! This recipe is quick, rich, and full of cheesy goodness, perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound cavatappi shells (or elbow macaroni)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup milk (any kind, I used 2%)
• 1¼ cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Equipment Needed:

• Large pot
• Medium saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Roux
   In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, salt, and pepper until smooth. This creates a roux, the base for your cheese sauce. (Tip: For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika here.)
3. Add Milk and Cream
   Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken slightly.
4. Melt the Cheese
   Lower the heat and add shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Stir until melted and smooth.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
   Add drained pasta into the cheese sauce and toss until evenly coated. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of extra milk.
6. Rest and Serve
   Let the mac and cheese sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set and cling to the noodles.

Pro Tips

• Cheese Swap: Try adding Parmesan, cheddar jack, or even Gruyère for extra depth of flavor.
• Spice It Up: A dash of paprika, cayenne, or nutmeg can bring out more complexity.
• Make Ahead: Cook the pasta and sauce separately, then combine just before serving for the creamiest results.

Nutrition Information (per serving, approx.)

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Stovetop Mac & Cheese

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• Author: carlosramirez
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A creamy stovetop mac and cheese recipe that’s quick, rich, and full of cheesy goodness, perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

• 1 pound cavatappi shells (or elbow macaroni)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup milk (any kind)
• 1¼ cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, salt, and pepper until smooth to create a roux.
3. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken slightly.
4. Lower the heat and add shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Stir until melted and smooth.
5. Add drained pasta into the cheese sauce and toss until evenly coated. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of extra milk.
6. Let the mac and cheese sit for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Consider adding Parmesan, cheddar jack, or Gruyère for extra depth of flavor. For extra spice, add paprika, cayenne, or nutmeg.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American