Stovetop Mac and Cheese for 2
This is perfect when you want real mac and cheese but don’t need a huge batch. Takes about 15 minutes and uses one pot – no baking required unless you want that crispy top.
Print
Pin
Ingredients
Ingredients (~2 servings)
- 1 cup pasta shells, elbows, or anything with nooks
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp ground mustard
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup freshly-grated cheese sharp cheddar and Parmesan work great
- Kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: breadcrumbs bacon, broccoli, French’s onions
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a medium saucepan and cook 1 cup pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, keeping the pot.
- Melt 2 Tbsp butter over medium heat and whisk in 2 Tbsp flour, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp paprika, and 1/4 tsp ground mustard until pasty.
- Slowly whisk in 1 cup milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and whisk in 1 cup grated cheese until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Fold cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and add any mix-ins like bacon or broccoli.
- For baked version, transfer to a greased dish, top with more cheese and breadcrumbs, and broil on high for 3-4 minutes until golden.
Notes
Serve stovetop version immediately or broil for a crispy top.
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below & let me know!