Stove Top Macaroni Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and decadent Stove Top Macaroni Cheese, a quick and satisfying dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Featuring tender elbow macaroni smothered in a velvety, homemade cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and savory Parmesan, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and gourmet flavor. The secret lies in creating a rich roux with butter and flour, whisked seamlessly into whole milk for a lusciously smooth base. A hint of garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper adds warmth and depth, elevating this classic dish to new heights. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family meal, this one-pot wonder ensures minimal cleanup while delivering maximum flavor. Serve it piping hot, garnished with extra cheese or a sprinkle of paprika, and watch it disappear in seconds!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Elbow macaroni
• 5 cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Whole milk
• 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons Garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoons Paprika

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot or deep skillet, bring 5 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the elbow macaroni.

Step 2

Cook the pasta according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3

Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside. Do not rinse.

Step 4

In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.

Step 5

Once the butter is melted, add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Whisk constantly for about 1 minute to create a roux. This will thicken the sauce.

Step 6

Slowly pour in 2 cups of whole milk while whisking continuously to ensure no lumps form.

Step 7

Continue to cook the milk mixture, stirring frequently, until it begins to thicken. This will take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 8

Lower the heat to medium-low and add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the pot.

Step 9

Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 10

Season the cheese sauce with 0.5 teaspoons each of ground black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 11

Add the drained macaroni back into the pot, stirring well to coat every noodle with the cheese sauce.

Step 12

Cook for an additional 2 minutes to warm everything through.

Step 13

Serve immediately, garnished with an extra pinch of paprika or shredded cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2246.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2561.1

Total Fat 140.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 87.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 442.7mg	0%
Sodium 5400.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 198.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.4g	0%
Total Sugars 30.8g
Protein 135.3g	0%

Vitamin D 214.7IU	0%
Calcium 3184.8mg	0%
Iron 8.5mg	0%
Potassium 807.6mg	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: 48.6%

Protein: 20.9%

Carbs: 30.6%