Mac and cheese. Just hearing those words makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, right? For me, it’s pure comfort food, a total classic. And honestly, who doesn’t love a big bowl of cheesy goodness? What I really wanted was something quick, easy, and unbelievably creamy. That’s how I came up with this easy creamy stovetop mac and cheese recipe, and let me tell you, it hits the spot every single time!
I think my love for mac and cheese started young. I remember my grandma making it for me. It came from a box, I’m sure, but to me, it was magic. Now, I’ve upgraded a bit (sorry, Grandma!), and this easy creamy stovetop mac and cheese recipe is my go-to. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, but it tastes like you spent hours slaving away. Trust me, you’re gonna love it!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe
Okay, so why *this* mac and cheese? Well, let me tell you! It’s got a few things going for it that make it a total winner:
- Quick Prep: Seriously, you can have this on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Super Creamy: We’re talking melt-in-your-mouth, velvety smooth.
- Kid-Friendly (Duh!): Even the pickiest eaters will gobble this up.
- Totally Customizable: Add your favorite cheeses, spices, veggies… the possibilities are endless!
- Weeknight Perfection: When you need a comforting meal, fast, this is it.
Quick and Easy Mac and Cheese
Life’s too short to spend hours in the kitchen, right? This mac and cheese is ready in a flash. Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at maybe 20 minutes of actual cooking. Perfect for those crazy busy weeknights!
The Creamiest Stovetop Mac and Cheese You’ll Ever Make
What makes it so creamy? Well, it’s all about the cheese, of course! But the real secret? A little cream cheese. Trust me, it makes all the difference. You’ll be amazed at how rich and decadent this mac and cheese is!
Ingredients for Your Easy Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! For this easy creamy stovetop mac and cheese recipe, you’ll need a few key players. Don’t worry, nothing too fancy – just good, basic stuff that comes together to make pure magic. I always say, quality ingredients make a difference, so grab the best you can!
Essential Ingredients for Creamy Mac and Cheese
Okay, the non-negotiables! You’ll need pasta (elbows are classic, but shells or penne work great too!), milk (whole milk is my fave for extra creaminess, but you can use what you have), butter, flour, and of course… CHEESE! I usually go for a sharp cheddar, but feel free to mix it up. Salt and pepper are a must, obviously!
Optional Ingredients for Enhanced Flavor in This Mac and Cheese
Wanna take your mac and cheese to the next level? I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg – trust me on this one! A little mustard powder gives it a nice tang, too. And if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano at the end is *chef’s kiss*. Oh, and don’t forget the cream cheese! That’s my secret weapon for ultimate creaminess.
How to Make Easy Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, ready to get cooking? Don’t worry, this easy creamy stovetop mac and cheese recipe is super simple, I promise! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a big bowl of cheesy goodness in no time.
Preparing the Pasta for the Creamiest Mac and Cheese
First things first, pasta! Get a big pot of salted water boiling. Seriously, don’t skimp on the salt – it flavors the pasta from the inside out. Once it’s boiling, throw in your pasta and cook it according to the package directions, but subtract a minute or two. We want it *al dente*, which means it should still have a little bite to it. Trust me, you don’t want mushy mac and cheese!
Before you drain the pasta, scoop out about a cup of that starchy pasta water – this is liquid gold! We might need it later to adjust the sauce’s consistency. Drain the pasta and give it a quick rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside, and let’s move on to the cheese sauce for this easy creamy stovetop mac and cheese recipe!
Making the Cheese Sauce for Your Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Now for the fun part – the cheese sauce! In a large pot (I like to use a Dutch oven, but any big pot will do), melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk, whisk, whisk! Keep whisking until the mixture turns a light golden brown color and smells kind of nutty – this usually takes about a minute or two. This is called a roux, and it’s what’s going to thicken our sauce.
Next, slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Keep whisking until the sauce starts to simmer and thicken. This might take a few minutes, so be patient! Once it’s thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese (if you’re using it). Once the cream cheese is melted and smooth, it’s time for the star of the show – the shredded cheese! Add the cheese a handful at a time, stirring until it’s completely melted and smooth before adding more. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Combining Pasta and Sauce for the Best Creamy Mac and Cheese
Alright, almost there! Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until everything is nicely coated. It might seem like there’s too much sauce at first, but don’t worry, the pasta will absorb it as it sits. Cover the pot with a lid and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the pasta to soak up all that cheesy goodness and the sauce to thicken up even more. After 5 minutes, give it one last stir. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. And that’s it! Your easy creamy stovetop mac and cheese recipe is ready to be devoured. Enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Easy Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe
Want to make sure your easy creamy stovetop mac and cheese recipe is a total knockout? Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks! They’re simple, but they make a HUGE difference. Trust me on this one!
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Seriously, nobody likes mushy mac. Aim for *al dente*!
- Freshly Grated Cheese is Best: Pre-shredded cheese often has cellulose added to prevent clumping, and that can mess with the sauce’s texture. Grate it yourself for the best results!
- Taste and Adjust Seasonings: This is key! Everyone’s taste buds are different, so don’t be afraid to add more salt, pepper, or whatever spices you like until it’s perfect for YOU.
Variations on This Easy Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe
Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic easy creamy stovetop mac and cheese recipe. Awesome! But what if you’re feeling a little adventurous? The beauty of this recipe is how easily you can switch things up! Seriously, the possibilities are endless! Here are a few of my favorite ways to jazz it up:
- Cheese, Please!: Try different cheeses! Gruyere adds a nutty flavor, Monterey Jack makes it extra melty, or go wild with some pepper jack for a kick!
- Herb It Up: Fresh herbs can make a big difference. A sprinkle of chopped parsley or thyme adds a touch of freshness.
- Spice Things Up: A dash of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add some serious flavor.
- Veggie Power: Stir in some cooked broccoli, peas, or roasted red peppers for a healthier twist.
Seriously, don’t be afraid to experiment! This easy creamy stovetop mac and cheese recipe is your blank canvas! Have fun with it and make it your own!
FAQ About Easy Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe
Got questions about this easy creamy stovetop mac and cheese recipe? I get it! Here are a few of the most common ones I hear, hopefully they’ll help you out!
Can I use different types of cheese in this mac and cheese recipe?
Absolutely! That’s the beauty of mac and cheese, you can totally customize it! Sharp cheddar is my go-to, but Gruyère adds a lovely nutty flavor, Monterey Jack makes it extra melty, and a little bit of Parmesan always elevates things. Experiment and find your perfect blend!
How do I prevent my mac and cheese from being grainy?
Grainy mac and cheese is a bummer, but easy to avoid! First, use freshly grated cheese – pre-shredded cheese often has additives that can mess with the sauce. Second, don’t crank up the heat too high; keep it low and slow. And third, stir, stir, stir! Constant stirring helps the cheese melt smoothly. Oh, and a little cream cheese really helps too!
Can I make this easy creamy stovetop mac and cheese recipe ahead of time?
You can, but it’s best enjoyed fresh! If you *need* to, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up, and heat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Just keep in mind it might not be quite as creamy as the first time around.
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Your Easy Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Okay, so you’ve got leftovers of this amazing easy creamy stovetop mac and cheese recipe (lucky you!). Here’s how to store and reheat it so it’s almost as good as the first time! Just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, add a splash of milk or cream while reheating on the stovetop or microwave to keep it creamy. Easy peasy!
Nutritional Information for Easy Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Now, keep in mind that the nutritional information for this easy creamy stovetop mac and cheese recipe can vary *a lot* depending on the exact ingredients you use. Different brands of cheese, pasta, and milk will all have slightly different values. So, the numbers below are just an estimate, okay? Don’t take ’em as gospel!
I’m not a nutritionist, so I can’t give you precise figures. But just be aware that this is a fairly rich and cheesy dish (duh!), so it’s definitely a treat, not an everyday kinda thing. Enjoy it in moderation, and savor every delicious bite!
Make This Easy Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe Today!
Seriously, what are you waiting for? Go make this easy creamy stovetop mac and cheese recipe! Then, come back and tell me how it went! I wanna hear all about your cheesy creations!
Easy Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe in 20 Minutes
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 8 Servings 1x
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy creamy stovetop mac and cheese is a simple and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pasta like elbow macaroni, shells or penne (450g)
- 4 cups milk, whole milk is best (945ml)
- 4 tablespoons butter (56g)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (24g)
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more for cooking pasta
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon grated nutmeg, optional
- ⅛ teaspoon mustard powder, like Coleman’s, optional
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened, optional (56g)
- 1 pound cheese, shredded, 4 cups, try sharp white cheddar, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or American (450g)
- 1 ounce finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, ½ cup, optional (28g)
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions, but cook for 1 minute less than the package suggests. Save 1 cup of starchy pasta water, drain the pasta, and then rinse with cool water so it stops cooking. Set aside.
- Warm the milk in a small saucepan, turn off the heat, cover with a lid, and set aside.
- Melt the butter in a large, high-sided pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk it into the butter. Continue to whisk until it smells toasted and looks light brown, 1 to 2 minutes.
- While whisking, pour in a third of the warm milk. Whisk until smooth, then whisk in another third until smooth, and finally whisk in the rest. Continue to cook, constantly whisking until the sauce begins to simmer and thickens. Simmer for about 1 minute.
- Season the sauce with 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, nutmeg (optional), and mustard powder (optional).
- Turn the heat to low, then stir in the cream cheese. When the cream cheese is mostly melted into the sauce, stir in the shredded cheese a handful at a time until it melts into the sauce. Taste, and then season with more salt and black pepper. If the flavor does not pop, add a bit more salt.
- Stir in the drained and rinsed pasta. It may look like there is too much sauce. The pasta absorbs the extra moisture as it sits. Take the pot off the heat, then cover with a lid. Leave for 5 minutes, stir once more, and then serve. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out slightly.
Notes
- Use whole milk for the best results.
- Do not overcook the pasta.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
