One Pot Mac and Cheese

Rich and creamy, this One Pot Mac and Cheese is crafted with a medley of cheeses, whole milk, and elbow pasta. It’s a homemade mac and cheese masterpiece that outshines anything you’d whip up from a box. Whether enjoyed solo or as the perfect sidekick to your favorite meals, it’s an easy and delicious dish that’s hard to resist!

Mac and Cheese, Please

There’s nothing more nostalgic and comforting than a big warm bowl of homemade mac and cheese! One bite, and we’re transported back to our childhood. Growing up we made the stuff out of the box. However, now that we’re older, we knew we could do better. So, we captured all the nostalgia of the mac and cheese from our childhood but also cranked up the flavor with wholesome ingredients and a generous dash of love! This One Pot Mac and Cheese: 

• Requires minimal dishes for an easy cleanup
• Has the absolute creamiest texture and richest taste
• Cooks in less than 15 minutes
• And is easy to customize with all your favorite add-ins

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t find any powdered cheese here! We’re using nothing but the real stuff for out-of-this-world flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need: 

• Pasta – We use elbow pasta, but we also love Cavatappi, too. Whatever noodles you like the best work just fine! 
• Broth – Either chicken or vegetable broth is used to cook the noodles and infuses them with an incredibly rich taste.  
• Spices – To enhance the natural flavors of the cheese, we include mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. 
• Cheese – We include a combination of Cheddar and Monterrey Jack cheeses for just a hint of spice. However, any cheese you like best would taste great! 
• Butter – This makes any recipe even more delicious. However, butter also helps thicken the cheese sauce, helping it stick to the noodles. Because we include spices separately, you want to make sure your butter is unsalted. 
• Heavy Cream & Whole Milk – Our secret to creating the creamiest, most indulgent mac and cheese you’ll ever taste, a combination of heavy cream and whole milk is poured into the pot to take the cheese sauce to the next level. 

How to Make One Pot Mac and Cheese

Some mac and cheese recipes require multiple dishes to make the noodles and the cheese, creating lots of dishes in the process. So, we simplified things and created this One Pot Mac and Cheese! 

1. Place the pasta, broth, and seasonings in a large pot. 
2. Bring the broth to a boil, and cover. 
3. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer the ingredients for 10-12 minutes. 
4. Add the rest of the ingredients, and stir until the sauce is combined and creamy. 

* For a slightly crispy top, place the pot under your broiler for a few minutes! 

Optional Add-Ins

There’s nothing wrong with serving this simple One Pot Mac and Cheese as it is. But, if you’re in the mood to elevate it into a more elaborate feast, the possibilities are practically limitless. To kickstart your culinary creativity, here are some of our favorite additions:

• Ground Beef
• Shredded Chicken 
• Bacon 
• Broccoli 
• Peas
• Tomatoes
• Onions
• Mushrooms

Make-Ahead Options 

This recipe makes for the best leftovers that are so easy to reheat or even freeze. So, feel free to double the batch for an easy meal you can eat all week! 

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 1-2 days. 

Freezer: Place your mac and cheese in a sealable bag or airtight container for up to 6 months! 

How to Reheat

First, be sure to thaw your frozen mac and cheese in the fridge overnight. Or, leave it on the counter for a couple of hours. However, we don’t recommend thawing it in the microwave as your noodles will dry out. Then, warm your leftovers in the microwave, on the stovetop, or even in the oven! 

Serving Suggestions

We’ve been guilty of savoring a generous bowl of this One Pot Mac and Cheese as a standalone feast. But, it’s not just a solo act – this creamy delight also plays exceptionally well with all your go-to main courses as the ultimate sidekick! Here are a few of our top-notch pairings:

• Oven-Baked Chipotle Chicken Skewers
• Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets
• Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
• Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

More Easy One Pot Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re on the hunt for more one-pot wonders, we’ve got a lineup of favorites that are downright irresistible:

• This One Pot Parmesan Pasta is the easiest and quickest way to get dinner on the table! 
• A better-for-you Hamburger Helper, this One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is a family-favorite recipe everyone will love. 
• One Pot Lasagna has all the traditional flavors you love in the convenience of a one pot recipe. 
• One bite is all it takes to fall in love with this One Pot Spaghetti Carbonara!