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4.9 from 426 votes

Quick Mac and Cheese for One

A quick recipe for mac and cheese for one. Easy, cheesy, and oh so good.

Prep Time
1 min
Cook Time
1 min
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 1
Calories: 641 kcal
Course: Lunch , Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2.5 ounces (½ cup) uncooked macaroni or pasta of choice*
  • 1 tablespoon salted butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup milk any percentage
  • ½ cup (2oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese *
  • salt and pepper
  • pinch of cayenne optional
  • Pinch of nutmeg optional

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Bring a small pot of lightly salted water to boil over high heat.
  2. While your water heats, shred cheese, measure out the rest of your ingredients.
  3. Cook macaroni according to the instructions on the box.
  4. While your pasta cooks, in a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook until a thick paste forms and turns golden, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk, whisking out any lumps as they form. Cook, whisking constantly until mixture thickens and begins to bubble around the edges, 2 to 5 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until completely melted. Add salt and pepper to taste, remembering that the pasta will cut the level of spice once added. If you like nutmeg and cayenne (I do!), start with a sprinkle, taste, and work your way up. A little of both goes a long way!
  6. Once pasta is cooked, drain and stir in cheese sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • *If using a pasta other than macaroni, be sure to measure it by weight and not volume. Different pasta shapes will have different cup measurements for 2.5 ounces, so 1/2 cup is not universal for all pasta. 
  • *You can use whatever mix of melty cheeses you would like. When I have it on hand, a bit of Pecorino Romano mixed in is my FAV.
  • Doubling notes: No changes when doubling, except sauce will take a minute or two longer to thicken once the milk is added.

Nutrition Information

Calories 641kcal (32%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 641

% Daily Value*

Calories 641kcal 32%

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