Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Name: Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow noodles; ½ cup salted butter; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 3 cups milk; 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Skip the box and make this easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese that’s ready in about 15 minutes. It’s creamy and delicious with so much cheesy flavor. The best part is you only need pantry staples to make this easy recipe that everyone will request over and over!

Wooden spoon scooping mac and cheese out of saucepan

You’ll ditch the blue box mac and cheese after you try this super creamy mac and cheese! It’s so easy to make on the stovetop and it’s a hit every time I make it for my family.

We love this cheesy pasta as a side dish for baked chicken legs and meatloaf but it goes with so many things you’ll find all kinds of reasons to make it.

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Why This Recipe Works

It’s ready in about 15 minutes! It’s the best mac and cheese for weeknight dinners.
This is homemade mac and cheese with simple ingredients – you probably have most of them on hand already.
You don’t have to take out the big baking dish or turn on the oven. You can make this cheesy pasta dish on the stove!

You are going to want this mac n cheese recipe the next time a craving hits. You’ll be digging into some rich and creamy pasta in no time at all!

Ingredients

Elbow macaroni – This shape is perfect for the sauce. It gets trapped inside each piece of pasta so every bite is saucy, creamy, and cheesy!
Salted butter – You can use unsalted butter, too, but may want to add a few extra pinches of salt to the finished dish.
All-purpose flour – When you combine this with melted butter, it makes a roux that thickens the cheese sauce.
Kosher salt and black pepper
Garlic powder – I love the flavor this adds. You can also use onion powder to switch it up.
Milk – 2% or whole milk works best. If you want it extra rich, go with whole milk! You can also use the same amount of evaporated milk if that’s what you have on hand.
Sharp cheddar cheese – You can also try mild cheddar cheese, white cheddar, or Gruyere for a nuttier cheesy flavor.

Products Needed

How to Make Mac and Cheese on the Stove

In a large pot, cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta well in a colander.

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and seasonings and whisk until the mixture is smooth. Cook it for one to two minutes or until it thickens.

Slowly add the milk to the pan, whisking continuously. Once all of the milk cook the mixture over medium-high heat for three to four minutes, stirring it occasionally. After a few minutes, the sauce will start to thicken.

Adjust the heat to low and add the shredded cheese. Whisk until the cheese sauce is smooth.

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until combined. Let it sit for five minutes so it can thicken before serving.

Saucepan whisking melted butter and flour

Shredded cheese in saucepan to make cheese sauce

Pro Tips

Pasta Tip: Cook the elbows until they are al dente. This means they will still have a little bit of a bite. The pasta will cook a little more once you add it to the sauce and will end up with the perfect texture!

Ingredient Tip: Like a little heat? Feel free to stir in some hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce before you add the cheese. Or, try adding a little smoked paprika for a different twist.

Serving Tip: Once the stovetop mac and cheese is thick and creamy serve it right away. If you make it ahead and let it sit the cheese will not be as creamy once it’s cooled.

Storage Tip: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for two to three days. When you warm them up, add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

FAQ

Is baked or stovetop macaroni and cheese better?

I like them both! Baked macaroni and cheese can be just as creamy as the stove version, but it just has the added step of baking it. For quick dinners during the week, I love to make stovetop mac and cheese.

What is a good topping for mac and cheese?

If you want to add a topping and you don’t mind an extra step, place the finished mac and cheese in a baking dish. Sprinkle some seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the top and then place the dish under the broiler for a couple of minutes to toast the topping.

Can you add other ingredients?

You can add cooked broccoli florets or cauliflower florets. Stir in some green peas or add some chopped herbs like fresh parsley. You can also make it a main dish by adding shredded cooked chicken or some cooked taco meat!

This easy stove top mac and cheese is so much better than anything you can get in a box. The cook time is quick and it’s so creamy and rich. My kids go nuts for it and I have to admit I do, too! It’s the perfect cheesy side dish.

More Easy Comfort Food Recipes

Parmesan Orzo is another quick and easy pasta side dish!
Meatball Subs topped with lots of melted mozzarella are a great dinner for weeknights!
Air Fryer Pork Chops have a crispy coating made with breadcrumbs and Parmesan. They are so good!
Slow Cooker Spaghetti is always a hit! Give it a try for your next pasta night and I know you’ll love it.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs are finger-lickin’ good!

Try it and love it? Rate it, please! Seriously though a five-star rating below will make my day!

If you snap a photo, please be sure to tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy dish!!!

Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!

4.92 from 12 votes

Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Skip the box and make this easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese that's ready in about 15 minutes and made with pantry staples.

Prep:5

Cook:10

Total:15

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Ingredients

Instructions

Cook elbow noodles to al dente according to directions on the box. Drain well.
In the meantime, in another large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, pepper, salt and garlic powder until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until thickened.
Gradually pour in milk, whisking as you add it. Whisk until smooth. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes or until the sauce starts to thicken.
Turn heat to low and add in shredded cheese, whisk until cheese is melted.
Pour cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and stir until combined.
Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken and then serve.

Tips

Ingredient Tip: Like a little heat? Feel free to stir in some hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce before you add the cheese. Or, try adding a little smoked paprika for a different twist.

Serving Tip: Once the stovetop mac and cheese is thick and creamy serve it right away. If you make it ahead and let it sit the cheese will not be as creamy once it’s cooled.

Storage Tip: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for two to three days. When you warm them up, add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Is baked or stovetop macaroni and cheese better?

What is a good topping for mac and cheese?

Can you add other ingredients?

Nutrition Information

Calories: 493kcal (25%), Carbohydrates: 53g (18%), Protein: 18g (36%), Fat: 23g (35%), Saturated Fat: 14g (88%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 65mg (22%), Sodium: 465mg (20%), Potassium: 305mg (9%), Fiber: 2g (8%), Sugar: 6g (7%), Vitamin A: 813IU (16%), Vitamin C: 1mg (1%), Calcium: 332mg (33%), Iron: 1mg (6%)

We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information. The information in the nutrition box is calculated through a program and there is room for error. If you need an accurate count, I recommend running the ingredients through your favorite nutrition calculator.