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4.9 from 63 votes

Best Easy Mac and Cheese Recipe

This Best Simple Mac and Cheese Recipe is a cinch to whip up in 30 minutes or less, and makes for a delicious and satisfying meal for the whole family. This no bake mac and cheese packs all the same comforting flavors of traditional mac and cheese in just a few easy steps. 

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 683 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces small pasta noodles like elbows or shells
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 2 ½ cups whole milk see note
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add pasta to a pot of boiling salted water, boil til tender, then drain and rinse with cold water. Toss pasta with 2 teaspoons oil and set aside. 
  2. In a large skillet melt butter over medium-high heat. Stir in flour. Very gradually whisk in 2 cups milk until smooth and creamy. Stir in garlic powder.
  3. Stir in cheese until completely melted and fully incorporated. Add a little milk if needed (up to 1/2 cup) to thin the sauce if it is too thick for your liking. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 
  4. Stir in cooked pasta and serve. Garnish with cracked black pepper and chopped parsley if desired. 

Notes

  • Feeds 4 adults or 4-6 people when feeding small kids.
  • The cheese: make sure to use freshly grated cheese and not pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is packaged with a coating that keeps it from sticking together in the package, but also keeps it from melting properly and will give your sauce a grainy texture. 
  • The milk: low fat content can give your sauce a grainy texture, I suggest a higher fat content (whole milk works great!) for a super creamy, rich sauce. 

Nutrition Information

Calories 683kcal (34%) Carbohydrates 77g (26%) Protein 31g (62%) Fat 27g (42%) Saturated Fat 15g (75%) Cholesterol 76mg (25%) Sodium 434mg (18%) Potassium 472mg (13%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 11g (22%) Vitamin A 832IU (17%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 612mg (61%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 683

% Daily Value*

Calories 683kcal 34%
Carbohydrates 77g 26%
Protein 31g 62%
Fat 27g 42%
Saturated Fat 15g 75%
Cholesterol 76mg 25%
Sodium 434mg 18%
Potassium 472mg 10%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 11g 22%
Vitamin A 832IU 17%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 612mg 61%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.