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4.6 from 390 votes

Skillet Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

A versatile and tasty recipe that’s quick to prepare and easy to enjoy.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
22 mins
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 542 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups water plus extra if needed
  • 1 (12-ounce) (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
  • 12 ounces (about 3 cups) elbow macaroni
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon dry mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon hot sauce
  • 6 ounces cheddar cheese shredded (1 1/2 cups)
  • 6 ounces Monterey jack cheese shredded (1 1/2 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons butter cut into small chunks
  • Ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Bring 3 1/2 cups water, 1 cup of the evaporated milk, the macaroni, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a simmer in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over high heat. Cook at a vigorous simmer, stirring often, until the macaroni is tender and the liquid has thickened, 9 to 12 minutes.
  2. Whisk the remaining 1/2 cup evaporated milk, the cornstarch, mustard and hot sauce together in a small bowl, then stir into the skillet. Continue to simmer slightly thickened, about 1 minute.
  3. Off the heat, stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack, one handful at a time, adding water as needed to adjust the consistency of the sauce (I didn’t need any additional water when I made it). Stir in the butter and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Ham and Pea Variation: follow the recipe, adding 4 ounces deli-style baked ham, diced medium, and 1/2 cup frozen peas to the skillet with the cornstarch mixture in step 2.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 Serving Calories 542kcal (27%) Carbohydrates 49g (16%) Protein 25g (50%) Fat 27g (42%) Saturated Fat 17g (85%) Cholesterol 81mg (27%) Sodium 630mg (26%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 8g (16%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 542

% Daily Value*

Serving 1 Serving
Calories 542kcal 27%
Carbohydrates 49g 16%
Protein 25g 50%
Fat 27g 42%
Saturated Fat 17g 85%
Cholesterol 81mg 27%
Sodium 630mg 26%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 8g 16%

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