Dessert

One Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese (Stovetop) Recipe

BySana Jeannette March 10, 2026March 10, 2026

Introduction

This one pot creamy mac and cheese is a comforting classic made easy on the stovetop. With sharp cheddar and mozzarella melted into a rich, flavorful sauce, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that comes together quickly and with minimal cleanup.

A large white cooking pot with light purple handles is filled with creamy, bright orange macaroni and cheese, showing small, curved elbow pasta all covered in thick, smooth cheese sauce. A wooden spoon with a metal tip is resting inside the pot, partly submerged in the cheesy pasta. To the top right, two whole yellow lemons sit closely, contrasting with a single green lime placed near the bottom right. A soft white cloth is casually draped on the lower left side beneath the pot. The whole setup lies on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked macaroni or pasta of your choice
3 cups water (see notes)

3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
2.5 cups sharp cheddar, freshly grated

2 cups mozzarella, freshly grated
1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder

1.5 tbsp paprika, adjust to taste
1 tsp mustard
1.5 tsp sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Grate the cheddar and mozzarella cheese and prepare all the ingredients.
Step 2: In a pot, add the uncooked macaroni and pour in 3 cups of water. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
Step 3: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the pasta according to package instructions or until al dente.

Step 4: Lower the heat to low and allow most of the water to evaporate, leaving a small amount remaining to help create the sauce.
Step 5: Add the heavy cream, grated cheeses, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, mustard, and sugar to the pot.
Step 6: Stir everything continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 7: Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your creamy stovetop mac and cheese!

Tips & Variations

For an extra creamy texture, add a splash more heavy cream or a bit of butter when mixing in the cheese.
Try using smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor instead of regular paprika.

Swap sharp cheddar for a milder cheese if you prefer a less intense taste, or add a little Parmesan for extra depth.
Add cooked vegetables like peas or broccoli to sneak in some greens.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess as needed.

How to Serve

A grey bowl filled with creamy macaroni pasta, covered in bright orange cheese sauce, topped with dark red crispy bits and sprinkled with green herbs, sitting on a white cloth on a wooden surface. Nearby, a whole lemon and lime rest on the wood, and a white pan filled with more cheesy macaroni is partly visible in the background. The scene is bright and well-lit, showing the rich textures of the creamy cheese and crispy topping. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any small or medium-sized pasta like shells, penne, or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Do I need to cook the pasta separately before adding the cheese?

No, this recipe cooks the pasta directly in the pot with water until al dente. Then the cheese and other ingredients are added for a one-pot convenience.