Macaroni Cheese Without the Pot of Water

Say goodbye to boiling pots of water and hello to simplicity with this one-pan wonder, *Macaroni Cheese Without the Pot of Water*. This genius recipe uses one skillet to cook the macaroni directly in a flavorful mixture of milk and water, infusing every bite with rich creaminess. A velvety sauce made from a blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese, thickened with a quick roux, coats the pasta perfectly. Hints of garlic and optional mustard powder enhance the classic comfort food flavor, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and easy to prepare. With a prep time of just 5 minutes and no extra pots to clean, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Serve it piping hot for a hassle-free, cheesy delight your whole family will love.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Elbow macaroni
• 3 cups Milk
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cups Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon All-purpose flour
• 0.5 teaspoons Garlic powder
• 0.25 teaspoons Mustard powder (optional)
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Ground black pepper
• 1 cup Water

Directions

Step 1

In a large, deep skillet or wide saucepan, combine the elbow macaroni, 3 cups of milk, 1 cup of water, and 0.5 teaspoons of salt over medium heat.

Step 2

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Step 3

Once the liquid reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking the pasta, stirring regularly, for about 10-12 minutes or until the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 4

In a small bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to form a paste (a roux).

Step 5

Add the roux to the pasta and stir well to thicken the remaining liquid.

Step 6

Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, a handful at a time, until melted and fully incorporated.

Step 7

Season the mixture with garlic powder, mustard powder (if using), and black pepper to taste. Adjust salt as needed.

Step 8

Continue stirring until the sauce is creamy and coats the macaroni evenly.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from the heat and let the macaroni cheese rest for a minute or two to thicken slightly before serving.

Step 10

Serve hot and enjoy your rich and creamy one-pan macaroni cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1479.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2453.8

Total Fat 128.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 79.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 410.0mg	0%
Sodium 3610.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 204.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.8g	0%
Total Sugars 42.9g
Protein 126.9g	0%

Vitamin D 322.1IU	0%
Calcium 2996.9mg	0%
Iron 7.8mg	0%
Potassium 1178.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.5%

Protein: 20.5%

Carbs: 33.0%