Easy Shaked Up Macaroni and Cheese
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this *Easy Shaked Up Macaroni and Cheese*, a quick and fuss-free twist on the classic comfort food. Perfectly al dente elbow macaroni is drenched in a velvety, homemade cheese sauce crafted with sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and a hint of Dijon mustard for an extra flavor boost. What makes this recipe truly unique is its innovative “shake and mix” technique—simply combine the sauce ingredients in a jar, give it a vigorous shake, and pour it over the pasta for a rich, creamy finish in minutes. Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish, this quick macaroni and cheese recipe is ideal for busy weeknights while delivering a restaurant-quality taste the whole family will love. Serve it as a hearty main dish or a crowd-pleasing side, garnished with extra cheese or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color. Your search for the ultimate easy mac and cheese ends here!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons paprika (optional)
Instructions
Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large jar (or a leak-proof container with a lid), combine the shredded cheddar cheese, whole milk, melted butter, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and optional paprika.
Seal the jar tightly with the lid and shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is well-combined and creamy. (Alternatively, whisk the ingredients in a bowl if you don’t have a jar.)
Return the cooked macaroni to the pot over low heat, and pour the cheesy mixture over the macaroni.
Stir constantly for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce coats the macaroni evenly and becomes slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with extra shredded cheese or a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2872 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 134.8 g | 173% | |
| Saturated Fat | 82.0 g | 410% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 412 mg | 137% | |
| Sodium | 4260 mg | 185% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 291.0 g | 106% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.5 g | 48% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.9 g | ||
| Protein | 121.5 g | 243% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.2 mcg | 26% | |
| Calcium | 2140 mg | 165% | |
| Iron | 14.6 mg | 81% | |
| Potassium | 896 mg | 19% | |
*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.
