Easy Stove Top Macaroni Cheese
Classic comfort food just got even better with this Easy Stove Top Macaroni Cheese recipe! Ready in just 30 minutes, this creamy, cheesy delight combines tender elbow macaroni with a velvety sauce made from sharp cheddar and nutty Parmesan. A quick roux forms the base of this rich, luscious sauce, while optional garlic powder adds a subtle depth of flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot wonder is simple to prepare, with no need for baking or extra dishes. Sprinkle on a touch of paprika for a pop of color before serving, and enjoy a timeless dish that’s sure to please both kids and adults. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s the ultimate go-to for a soul-warming, homemade meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 grams Elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons Butter
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Milk
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons Garlic powder (optional)
- 0.25 teaspoons Paprika (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Gradually add the milk to the roux, about 1/4 cup at a time, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth mixture. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until the pasta is fully coated. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, to ensure everything is heated through.
Serve the macaroni and cheese immediately. Optional: Sprinkle with a pinch of paprika for added color and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2835 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 145.7 g | 187% | |
| Saturated Fat | 89.3 g | 446% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 463 mg | 154% | |
| Sodium | 4391 mg | 191% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 241.9 g | 88% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.9 g | 35% | |
| Total Sugars | 33.2 g | ||
| Protein | 142.9 g | 286% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.7 mcg | 34% | |
| Calcium | 3108 mg | 239% | |
| Iron | 11.9 mg | 66% | |
| Potassium | 1055 mg | 22% | |
*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.
