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4.5 from 183 votes

Easy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

This is a no-frills stovetop shells and cheese recipe the whole family will love. It’s easy, ready in 30 minutes, and uses real cheese!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 428 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 pound medium-sized pasta shells cooked according to package directions
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups milk (I used Silk Unsweetened Cashewmilk)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon dry ground mustard (optional)
  • 3 cups grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese about 12 ounces (grate your own because pre-grated cheese in bags doesn’t melt well)
  • 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese about 4 ounces

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, and set pasta.
  2. To a large skillet, add the butter and heat over medium heat to melt.
  3. Add the flour and whisk constantly until the mixture turns light brown and has bubbled for about 2 minutes. Cook long enough to cook off the raw flour taste, but not so long it gets overly browned.
  4. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly, making sure to smooth out any possible clumps that formed.
  5. Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, optional dry mustard, and whisk to incorporate.
  6. Add the cheddar, parmesan, and whisk until melted and smooth.
  7. Add the pasta and stir to evenly coat. Depending on preference, if macaroni and cheese is on the thicker side, add a splash of water or milk to thin out to taste. I haven’t needed to do this, but it’s an option in case.
  8. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Storage: Recipe is best warm and fresh, but will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for 4 months. Reheat very gently prior to serving leftovers so cheese doesn’t separate.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 Calories 428kcal (21%) Carbohydrates 27g (9%) Protein 15g (30%) Fat 29g (45%) Saturated Fat 16g (80%) Polyunsaturated Fat 10g Cholesterol 76mg (25%) Sodium 624mg (26%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 1g (2%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 428

% Daily Value*

Serving 1
Calories 428kcal 21%
Carbohydrates 27g 9%
Protein 15g 30%
Fat 29g 45%
Saturated Fat 16g 80%
Polyunsaturated Fat 10g 59%
Cholesterol 76mg 25%
Sodium 624mg 26%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 1g 2%

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