Name: Easy One Pot Mac & Cheese
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 3 bowls
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter; 0.5 lb dry pasta; 2 cups milk; 2 cups water or broth; Salt; Black pepper; 0.5 tsp garlic powder; 0.5 tsp onion powder; 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese

From the Cook

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Easy One Pot Mac & Cheese

These Carbs Don't Count Verified

Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Instructions

In a large pan over medium heat, melt butter.

Add dry pasta and stir to coat in butter.

Pour in milk and water or broth. Stir to combine.

Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Bring to a simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until most liquid is absorbed and pasta is tender.

Add cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted and creamy.

Adjust consistency with more milk or cheese if desired.

Top with additional cheese and black pepper before serving.

Bite Tutorial

Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Use Broth Instead of Water 🍲
Substitute half or all of the water with chicken or vegetable broth to infuse the pasta with savory depth and eliminate the need for excessive seasoning.
Shred Your Own Cheese 🧀
Buy block cheddar and shred it yourself rather than using pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that prevent a smooth, creamy sauce from forming.
Stir Frequently to Prevent Sticking 🥄
Stir the pasta every 2-3 minutes while it simmers to ensure even cooking, prevent clumping, and avoid a burnt layer on the bottom of the pot.
Add Cheese Off-Heat for Creaminess 🔥
Remove the pot from heat before stirring in the cheese to prevent it from becoming grainy or separating, resulting in a silky, luxurious sauce.
Reserve Starchy Pasta Water 💧
Before draining, save ½ cup of the cooking liquid to adjust consistency if your mac and cheese becomes too thick after the cheese melts and sits.