Easy Shaked Up Macaroni and Cheese
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this *Easy Shaked Up Macaroni and Cheese*, a quick and fuss-free twist on the classic comfort food. Perfectly al dente elbow macaroni is drenched in a velvety, homemade cheese sauce crafted with sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and a hint of Dijon mustard for an extra flavor boost. What makes this recipe truly unique is its innovative “shake and mix” technique—simply combine the sauce ingredients in a jar, give it a vigorous shake, and pour it over the pasta for a rich, creamy finish in minutes. Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish, this quick macaroni and cheese recipe is ideal for busy weeknights while delivering a restaurant-quality taste the whole family will love. Serve it as a hearty main dish or a crowd-pleasing side, garnished with extra cheese or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color. Your search for the ultimate easy mac and cheese ends here!
Try SnapCalorie's FREE AI assisted nutrition tracking free in the App store or on Android.
Scan with your phone to download!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons paprika (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.
Step 2
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3
In a large jar (or a leak-proof container with a lid), combine the shredded cheddar cheese, whole milk, melted butter, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and optional paprika.
Step 4
Seal the jar tightly with the lid and shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is well-combined and creamy. (Alternatively, whisk the ingredients in a bowl if you don’t have a jar.)
Step 5
Return the cooked macaroni to the pot over low heat, and pour the cheesy mixture over the macaroni.
Step 6
Stir constantly for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce coats the macaroni evenly and becomes slightly thickened.
Step 7
Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with extra shredded cheese or a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1031.4g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2871.5 |
| Total Fat 134.8g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 82.0g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g | |
| Cholesterol 411.7mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4260.0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 291.0g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 13.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 31.9g | |
| Protein 121.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 209.6IU | 0% |
| Calcium 2140.2mg | 0% |
| Iron 14.6mg | 0% |
| Potassium 895.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories