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To make creamy stovetop mac and cheese, you need: - 2 cups elbow macaroni - 4 cups water - 1 cup whole milk - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon butter - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika These ingredients create a rich and cheesy meal that warms your heart. You can make your mac and cheese look great with: - Chopped chives - Chopped parsley These add a fresh touch to your dish. If you don’t have some ingredients, try these swaps: - Use any short pasta instead of elbow macaroni. - Swap whole milk for 2% milk for a lighter option. - Use different cheese, like mozzarella or gouda, for new flavors. These changes keep your dish tasty and fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather all the ingredients. You need: - 2 cups elbow macaroni - 4 cups water - 1 cup whole milk - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon butter - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Optional: Chopped chives or parsley for garnish Next, fill a medium saucepan with 4 cups of water. Place it on the stove and turn the heat to high. Wait until the water boils. Once the water is boiling, add the elbow macaroni. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir it occasionally. You want it to be al dente. After cooking, drain the macaroni but do not rinse it. The starch helps the sauce stick. Now, return the same saucepan to the stove and lower the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of butter. Let it melt. After that, pour in 1 cup of whole milk. Stir well. Then, mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat the milk mixture until it is warm, but do not let it boil. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until the cheeses melt and form a creamy sauce. Now, add the cooked macaroni back to the saucepan. Mix everything well to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the pasta to absorb some sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. After cooking, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let it sit for a couple of minutes. This helps the sauce thicken a bit. Serve the mac and cheese hot. You can garnish it with chopped chives or parsley for a nice touch. Enjoy your creamy, comforting meal! To get that creamy feel, use whole milk. It makes a big difference. When you melt the cheese, do it slowly. Stir often to keep the sauce smooth. If it feels too thick, add a splash of milk. This helps your sauce stay light and creamy. One big mistake is rinsing the pasta. Rinsing removes the starch that helps the sauce stick. Also, don't let the milk boil. Boiling can make the sauce grainy. Finally, watch the cheese. If you add it too fast, it can clump. You can boost flavor with a few simple ingredients. Try adding cooked bacon or ham for protein. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley add color and taste. For a kick, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper. Smoked paprika gives a nice hint of smokiness. Pro Tips Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for elbow macaroni or any small pasta shape; they hold the cheese sauce well and provide the perfect bite. Keep the Heat Low: When adding cheese to the milk mixture, keep the heat low to prevent the cheese from clumping or becoming grainy. Adjust Creaminess: For a creamier sauce, add more milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Garnish Wisely: Enhance the dish's flavor and presentation with fresh herbs like chives or parsley, which add a burst of freshness. {{image_2}} You can change the cheese for new flavors. Try mixing mozzarella for stretch or gouda for a smoky touch. A blend of cheddar and fontina gives a creamy, rich taste. Experiment with your favorites for a unique twist! Boost your mac and cheese with protein. Cooked chicken or bacon adds heartiness. If you like veggies, add peas, spinach, or broccoli. They bring color and nutrition. You can even toss in some diced tomatoes for freshness. The options are endless! Want a kick? Use pepper jack cheese for heat. You can also add jalapeños or hot sauce. For a smoky flavor, sprinkle in smoked paprika or stir in cooked chorizo. These changes make your dish exciting and full of flavor. Store your stovetop mac and cheese in an airtight container. Let it cool first. After it cools, put it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about three to four days. When you reheat your mac and cheese, add a splash of milk. This keeps it creamy. Heat it slowly on the stove or in the microwave. Stir often to warm it evenly. If you want to freeze mac and cheese, use a freezer-safe container. Let it cool completely before freezing. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. To eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as usual. Yes, you can use other shapes of pasta. Shells, rotini, or penne work well. Just keep the cooking time close to what the package says. The key is to cook the pasta until it's al dente. This means it should still have a bit of bite. It helps the pasta hold the cheese sauce better. Absolutely! You can swap out regular milk and cheese for dairy-free options. Use almond, soy, or oat milk instead of whole milk. Look for dairy-free cheese that melts well. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor too. This way, you can enjoy a creamy dish without dairy. Stovetop Mac and Cheese lasts about three to five days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk to make it creamy again. This blog post offered a complete guide to making Stovetop Mac and Cheese. We covered the key ingredients, tips for perfect texture, and fun variations to try. I shared how to store and reheat leftovers, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Remember, you can switch up cheeses, or even make it dairy-free. With these steps and tips, you can create a mac and cheese that satisfies your cravings every time. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Creamy Cheesy Stovetop Delight

A comforting and creamy macaroni and cheese dish made on the stovetop.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 2 grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 2 smoked paprika
  • to taste Chopped chives or parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil over high heat.
  • Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
  • Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set aside. Do not rinse to maintain starch that helps the sauce adhere.
  • In the same saucepan, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Allow it to melt before adding the milk.
  • Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat the mixture until it is warm, but do not let it boil.
  • Gradually add the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese to the milk mixture, stirring constantly until the cheeses melt and form a creamy sauce.
  • Add the cooked macaroni back into the saucepan, stirring well to coat all the pasta with the cheese sauce.
  • Continue to cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes for the sauce to thicken slightly.
  • Serve hot, garnished with chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

For added flavor, consider using different types of cheese or adding cooked bacon.
Keyword cheesy, creamy, macaroni and cheese, stovetop