Macaroni and Cheese for One
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy, cheesy "Macaroni and Cheese for One" recipe—perfectly portioned for solo dining! In just 15 minutes, you’ll whip up a rich and velvety cheddar cheese sauce from scratch, featuring pantry staples like butter, flour, and milk. Toss in tender elbow macaroni, and season with a dash of paprika or cayenne for a flavor-packed twist. This quick, one-pot wonder is ideal for busy weeknights, craving-driven meals, or when you want a little indulgence without leftovers. Say goodbye to boxed mac and cheese—this single-serving delight is a game-changer!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup milk (preferably whole milk)
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.125 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
- 0.125 teaspoon paprika or cayenne pepper (optional, for flavor)
Instructions
Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 6-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
Once the butter is melted, add the flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth paste (roux). Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens.
Lower the heat to medium-low and add shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and optional paprika or cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
Add the cooked macaroni back into the pot and stir to coat the pasta in the cheese sauce.
Serve immediately and enjoy your single-serving macaroni and cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
623 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 35.1 g | 45% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.6 g | 108% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 104 mg | 34% | |
| Sodium | 1004 mg | 44% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 52.3 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.8 g | ||
| Protein | 26.2 g | 52% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.6 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 546 mg | 42% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 177 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.
