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One-Pot Mac and Cheese

One-Pot Mac and Cheese

Creamy stovetop mac and cheese made in one pot — easy, quick, and perfect for weeknights. Ingredients:
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • ½ cup toasted panko breadcrumbs optional

Method
 

  1. In a large pot, combine pasta and milk. Simmer over medium heat, stirring often.
    Elbow macaroni cooking in milk for one-pot mac and cheese
  2. Once pasta is tender, stir in butter, seasonings, and cheese until melted.
    Butter and cheddar cheese melting into macaroni for one-pot mac and cheese
  3. Adjust creaminess with extra milk if needed.
    Stirring creamy cheese sauce into macaroni for one-pot mac and cheese
  4. For topping: toast breadcrumbs in butter until golden, sprinkle over pasta.
    Golden toasted breadcrumbs in skillet for mac and cheese topping

Notes

Notes: Add veggies, bacon, or spice to customize. Freshly grated cheese melts best.