15 Minute Stove Top Macaroni N Cheese
Craving creamy, comforting mac and cheese but short on time? This 15 Minute Stove Top Macaroni N Cheese is the ultimate answer to your weeknight dinner dilemma! Packed with rich, cheesy flavor, this recipe combines sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and a hint of ground mustard for a perfectly balanced, velvety cheese sauce that clings to tender elbow macaroni. Made entirely on the stovetop in just 15 minutes, it’s a one-pot wonder that requires no baking or fuss. Perfect for busy families or solo indulgence, this quick and easy mac and cheese is a deliciously satisfying meal that's ready to serve in less time than it takes to pick up takeout. Garnish with extra cheese or fresh parsley for a delightful finishing touch! Keywords: 15-minute mac and cheese, easy stovetop macaroni, creamy cheese sauce recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons ground mustard powder
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 6 cups water
Instructions
Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a large pot over high heat. Add a pinch of salt to the water, then stir in the elbow macaroni.
Cook the macaroni for 6-7 minutes or until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the pasta and set aside.
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour, stirring constantly to form a smooth paste (roux). Cook for 1-2 minutes but do not let it brown.
Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with ground mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Add the drained macaroni back into the pot and toss it in the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
Serve immediately with an optional garnish of extra grated cheese or chopped parsley.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
644 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 35.1 g | 45% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.0 g | 110% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 108 mg | 36% | |
| Sodium | 1014 mg | 44% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 53.3 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.5 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.9 g | ||
| Protein | 33.9 g | 68% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.6 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 811 mg | 62% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 232 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
