Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, this Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese recipe delivers a decadent homemade twist on a classic favorite. Made with al dente elbow macaroni and a velvety sauce crafted from a blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese, this dish is rich, flavorful, and comes together in just 30 minutes. A simple roux made with butter and flour creates the perfect base for the luxurious sauce, while whole milk and heavy cream contribute to its silky texture. Seasoned with a hint of salt, black pepper, and optional paprika for a touch of color and spice, this quick one-pot recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing side dish. Serve it fresh off the stove for a cozy, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a household favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Whole milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons Paprika (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously to ensure no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, ground black pepper, and paprika if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Add the cooked macaroni back to the pot and mix thoroughly to coat all the pasta with the cheese sauce.
Serve the mac and cheese immediately while hot. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra paprika or grated Parmesan on top before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
840 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 54.8 g | 70% | |
| Saturated Fat | 34.3 g | 171% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 167 mg | 56% | |
| Sodium | 1016 mg | 44% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 52.9 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.2 g | ||
| Protein | 33.3 g | 67% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.9 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 771 mg | 59% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 292 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.
