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One Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4 from 83 reviews

This creamy and comforting One Pot Mac and Cheese recipe delivers rich, cheesy pasta made with a blend of American, sharp cheddar, and Gruyere cheeses. It’s a quick, stovetop meal that combines elbow macaroni with flavorful spices, milk, cream, and butter for a smooth, velvety sauce, all cooked in a single pot in just 30 minutes.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Liquids and Dairy

  • 3 cups water
  • 2 3/4 cups whole milk (plus more to thin if needed)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 Tbsp butter

Spices

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper (or more to taste)

Pasta

  • 16 oz. dry elbow pasta (tested with Barilla)

Cheese

  • 4 oz. (1 cup) American cheese, shredded or cut into small cubes
  • 2 cups (8 oz) Extra sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups (6 oz) Gruyere cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Bring liquids and spices to a boil: In a 12-inch sauté pan or large pot, combine water, whole milk, onion powder, and garlic powder. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, which sets the stage for perfectly cooked pasta and flavorful base.
  2. Cook the pasta until al dente: Add the dry elbow pasta to the boiling liquid along with salt and pepper. Stir the mixture and cook uncovered, stirring every 2 minutes to prevent sticking, until the pasta is just al dente—about 7 to 8 minutes. Adjust heat slightly as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.
  3. Add cream, American cheese, and butter: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Add the American cheese and butter to the pot, stirring continuously until the cheese and butter have melted and well combined into the sauce.
  4. Incorporate remaining cheeses and finish: Remove the pot from the heat. Add the shredded sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheeses, stirring a few times to combine. Let the mixture rest for 1 minute off the heat to allow the cheeses to melt completely, then toss everything together to achieve a smooth, creamy mac and cheese. If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of milk and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.

Notes

  • Use full-fat dairy for the creamiest texture. Skim or low-fat milk will result in a thinner sauce.
  • Stirring every 2 minutes while the pasta cooks prevents it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  • Letting the cheese rest off the heat before final stirring ensures it melts fully without becoming grainy.
  • If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the sharp cheddar or substitute with a milder cheese.
  • This recipe can be easily doubled but use a large, heavy-bottomed pot for even cooking.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/one-pot-mac-and-cheese-recipe/