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Creamy stovetop mac n cheese easy recipe no bake made with just 6 ingredients

Stovetop Mac and Cheese

A quick and easy stovetop mac and cheese recipe that delivers creamy, comforting flavors without the need for baking. Perfect for busy nights!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni Shells or cavatappi can also be used.
Sauce Base
  • 2 tablespoons butter Salted or unsalted works.
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Substitute with gluten-free flour if desired.
  • 2 cups whole milk 2 percent or unsweetened oat milk can work in a pinch.
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese Mixing in mozzarella or monterey jack is recommended for extra creaminess.
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon salt Adjust based on personal taste.
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 pinch mustard powder Optional, but adds nice flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Boil salted water and cook the pasta until just tender. Drain and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat.
  3. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until it forms a smooth paste.
  4. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking. Continue stirring until smooth and thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Reduce heat to low, add cheese a handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth.
  2. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any additional seasonings.
  3. Add the cooked pasta back into the sauce and stir until coated.
  4. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk and stir.

Notes

For prep ahead, store in an airtight container. Reheat with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess. Freezing can affect texture; thaw overnight and reheat slowly.