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5.0 from 9 votes

Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Stovetop mac and cheese is the creamy comforting side dish that goes well with everything! It combines shredded cheddar and Pecorino Romano cheese with milk that’s simmered until creamy and tossed with shell or elbow pasta.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 525 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni or medium or small shells
  • 1 1/4 cups milk
  • 1 1/4 cups water
  • 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano
  • 1 tablespoon (14g) sodium citrate
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook macaroni until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water then drain the macaroni in a colander.
  2. Combine the milk, water, and sodium citrate in a large pot and bring to a simmer.
  3. Once simmering add the cheese slowly to the pot, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, and mix until combined. Continue the process until the cheese sauce is completely smooth. An immersion blender can be used if needed.
  4. Once the cheese sauce is smooth, add the mustard powder and stir to combine. Taste test and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine the pasta with half of the cheese sauce to start, then continue to add to desired consistency. If the mac and cheese is too thick, add a touch of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Once satisfied, give it one more taste and make any final adjustments to seasoning. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

Notes

  • I recommend only using half the cheese sauce to start, then building up from there.  Serving the hot cheese sauce at the table works well for those who like extra cheese.
  • Recipe adapted from Modernist Cuisine.
  • If the cheese sauce breaks, bring the mixture to a boil and process with an immersion blender. 
  • Cheese sauce can be saved for up to 5 days in the refrigerator and can be reheated on the stovetop.

Nutrition Information

Calories 525kcal (26%) Carbohydrates 54.8g (18%) Protein 26.7g (53%) Fat 21.5g (33%) Saturated Fat 13.8g (69%) Cholesterol 68mg (23%) Sodium 470mg (20%) Potassium 190mg (5%) Fiber 2.3g (9%) Sugar 3g (6%) Calcium 513mg (51%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 525

% Daily Value*

Calories 525kcal 26%
Carbohydrates 54.8g 18%
Protein 26.7g 53%
Fat 21.5g 33%
Saturated Fat 13.8g 69%
Cholesterol 68mg 23%
Sodium 470mg 20%
Potassium 190mg 4%
Fiber 2.3g 9%
Sugar 3g 6%
Calcium 513mg 51%
Iron 3mg 17%

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