One Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese (Stovetop) Recipe
This One Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a rich, cheesy comfort food classic made effortlessly on the stovetop. Combining sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses with a blend of spices, it creates a velvety sauce coating tender al dente macaroni in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze and the flavors perfectly melded.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Liquids
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni or pasta of your choice
- 3 cups water
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
Cheese
- 2.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1.5 tablespoons paprika (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon mustard (dry or prepared mustard)
- 1.5 teaspoons sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Grate the sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and measure out all other ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Cook Pasta: Place the uncooked macaroni and 3 cups of water in a pot. Set over medium-high heat and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the pasta until it is al dente according to the package instructions, typically 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reduce Liquid: After the pasta reaches al dente, lower the heat to low. Allow most of the water to evaporate, leaving a small amount of liquid in the pot to help create the creamy sauce.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Add the heavy whipping cream, grated sharp cheddar, grated mozzarella, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, mustard, and sugar to the pot. Stir continuously until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Serve the mac and cheese hot for the best flavor and creamy texture. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and creaminess.
- You can substitute macaroni with any small pasta shape like shells, penne, or elbow pasta.
- Adjust paprika according to your spice preference to balance smokiness and heat.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or water to loosen it up.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently with a little milk to restore creaminess.
Keywords: one pot mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, stovetop mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, comfort food
