Quick Skillet Macaroni and Cheese

Transform weeknight dinners with this Quick Skillet Macaroni and Cheese, a creamy one-pan wonder that’s ready in just 25 minutes! This recipe combines tender elbow macaroni cooked directly in a mixture of water and milk, creating the perfect base for a rich, velvety cheese sauce. Packed with sharp cheddar, parmesan, and a touch of cream cheese, every bite is bursting with cheesy goodness, while hints of garlic powder and paprika add a subtle depth of flavor. With no need for boiling or baking, this stovetop mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food made easy. Perfect as a hearty main or indulgent side, it’s a dish the 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
• 2.5 cups water
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
• 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoons paprika
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper

Directions

Step 1

In a large skillet, combine 2 cups of elbow macaroni, 2.5 cups of water, and 1 cup of whole milk. Stir well.

Step 2

Place the skillet over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3

Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Lower the heat slightly if the liquid starts boiling too vigorously.

Step 4

Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet and stir until melted.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 0.5 cups of grated parmesan cheese until completely melted and smooth.

Step 6

Stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese, 0.5 teaspoons of garlic powder, 0.5 teaspoons of paprika, 0.5 teaspoons of salt, and 0.25 teaspoons of black pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the pasta in the cheese sauce.

Step 7

Continue stirring for 1-2 minutes until the cheese sauce is thickened and creamy.

Step 8

Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Step 9

Serve immediately while warm and gooey. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or chopped parsley for added color.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1371.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2290.9

Total Fat 129.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 80.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 403.4mg	0%
Sodium 3511.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 176.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.8g	0%
Total Sugars 20.1g
Protein 111.1g	0%

Vitamin D 155.4IU	0%
Calcium 2418.8mg	0%
Iron 9.3mg	0%
Potassium 687.2mg	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: 50.4%

Protein: 19.2%

Carbs: 30.5%