Macaroni Cheese Without the Pot of Water
Say goodbye to boiling pots of water and hello to simplicity with this one-pan wonder, *Macaroni Cheese Without the Pot of Water*. This genius recipe uses one skillet to cook the macaroni directly in a flavorful mixture of milk and water, infusing every bite with rich creaminess. A velvety sauce made from a blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese, thickened with a quick roux, coats the pasta perfectly. Hints of garlic and optional mustard powder enhance the classic comfort food flavor, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and easy to prepare. With a prep time of just 5 minutes and no extra pots to clean, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Serve it piping hot for a hassle-free, cheesy delight your whole family will love.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Elbow macaroni
- 3 cups Milk
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cups Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon All-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoons Garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoons Mustard powder (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Ground black pepper
- 1 cup Water
Instructions
In a large, deep skillet or wide saucepan, combine the elbow macaroni, 3 cups of milk, 1 cup of water, and 0.5 teaspoons of salt over medium heat.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Once the liquid reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking the pasta, stirring regularly, for about 10-12 minutes or until the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
In a small bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to form a paste (a roux).
Add the roux to the pasta and stir well to thicken the remaining liquid.
Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, a handful at a time, until melted and fully incorporated.
Season the mixture with garlic powder, mustard powder (if using), and black pepper to taste. Adjust salt as needed.
Continue stirring until the sauce is creamy and coats the macaroni evenly.
Remove the skillet from the heat and let the macaroni cheese rest for a minute or two to thicken slightly before serving.
Serve hot and enjoy your rich and creamy one-pan macaroni cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
634 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.9 g | 43% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.5 g | 107% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 104 mg | 35% | |
| Sodium | 858 mg | 37% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 55.0 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.2 g | ||
| Protein | 31.6 g | 63% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.4 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 741 mg | 57% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 314 mg | 7% | |
*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.
