Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this quick and easy recipe for Creamy Macaroni and Cheese for One—perfectly portioned for a solo treat. In just 20 minutes, you'll create a decadent dish with velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and Parmesan, combined with tender elbow macaroni for the perfect bite. Featuring a hint of ground mustard optional for a subtle tang, this one-pot wonder is both satisfying and simple to prepare. Whether you're craving a cozy lunch or a late-night snack, this single-serving macaroni and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious. Ideal for busy days or when you just want to treat yourself!
Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions (usually 7-8 minutes) until al dente.
Drain the pasta and set it aside.
In the same pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
Once the butter is melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and optional ground mustard for added flavor.
Add the cooked macaroni back into the pot and stir to coat evenly with the cheese sauce.
Heat through for 1-2 minutes, and then transfer the creamy macaroni and cheese to a serving bowl.
Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade single-serving mac and cheese!
Calories |
569 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.5 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.3 g | 92% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 91 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 668 mg | 29% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 51.4 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.7 g | ||
| Protein | 23.5 g | 47% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 478 mg | 37% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 200 mg | 4% | |
*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.