Quick and Easy Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Quick and Easy Macaroni and Cheese, a creamy, cheesy dish that's ready in just 25 minutes! Perfect for weeknight dinners or satisfying cravings, this recipe uses a velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and Parmesan, combined with perfectly cooked macaroni pasta. A simple roux of butter and flour creates the base for the sauce, while whole milk adds richness and a hint of tangy ground mustard elevates the flavor profile. With minimal prep and pantry-friendly ingredients, this one-pot masterpiece delivers hearty, homemade goodness with every bite. Serve it as a standalone meal or pair it with a crisp side salad for a complete dining experience. Ideal for busy families and beginner cooks, this mac and cheese is your new go-to for quick, crowd-pleasing comfort food.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces macaroni pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons ground mustard (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. The mixture should turn slightly golden but not brown.
Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Increase the heat slightly and cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and ground mustard (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated.
Serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with extra shredded cheese or a sprinkle of parsley for presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
611 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.8 g | 41% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.3 g | 101% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 97 mg | 32% | |
| Sodium | 829 mg | 36% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 53.6 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.4 g | ||
| Protein | 30.0 g | 60% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.9 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 664 mg | 51% | |
| Iron | 1.3 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 301 mg | 6% | |
*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.
