Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Easy Stove Top Macaroni Cheese for One or Two—a quick, creamy, and satisfying recipe that's perfect for a cozy solo meal or an intimate dinner for two. This recipe features tender elbow macaroni coated in a velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and Parmesan, enhanced with a touch of ground mustard for added depth. With just 20 minutes from start to finish, this one-pot wonder is an effortless way to satisfy your mac and cheese cravings. Whether you’re crafting a quick lunch or a simple weeknight dinner, this rich and decadent dish is sure to hit the spot. Perfectly portioned, endlessly creamy, and easy to customize—what’s not to love?
Bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat.
Add 1 cup of elbow macaroni to the boiling liquid and cook according to the package instructions, typically 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain and set aside.
In the same saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
Whisk in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Gradually pour in 1 cup of milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes, or until it begins to thicken.
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Season the cheese sauce with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper, and add 1/4 teaspoon of ground mustard if desired for extra flavor.
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
Serve immediately in bowls and enjoy your creamy stovetop macaroni and cheese!
Calories |
1134 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 58.4 g | 75% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.1 g | 181% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 183 mg | 61% | |
| Sodium | 1578 mg | 69% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 98.9 g | 36% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.0 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.5 g | ||
| Protein | 55.5 g | 111% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.3 mcg | 16% | |
| Calcium | 1223 mg | 94% | |
| Iron | 5.0 mg | 28% | |
| Potassium | 523 mg | 11% | |
*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.