One-Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese (Stovetop)

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this One-Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese—rich, cheesy, and irresistibly creamy, all made in just one pot! Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, this easy stovetop recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a timeless classic that never fails to satisfy. Whether you’re making a cozy bowl for yourself or a larger batch for a holiday meal, this dish is a surefire hit. Plus, since everything cooks in one pot, you’ll have fewer dishes to clean—a win-win!

This stovetop mac and cheese comes together in just 25 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy days. With its velvety cheese sauce and perfectly seasoned flavors, it’s the ultimate comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ One-Pot Simplicity – Minimal cleanup and hassle-free cooking.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes.
✔ Ultra Creamy – A smooth, rich, and cheesy sauce coats every bite.
✔ Customizable – Add veggies, proteins, or spices to suit your taste.

How It Works

By cooking the pasta in a limited amount of water, we retain the starchy liquid, which helps emulsify the cheese into a silky, creamy sauce. No draining needed!

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Full measurements are in the recipe card below.)

Pasta – Classic macaroni works best, but feel free to use penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or shells.
Water – Just enough to cook the pasta while retaining some starch.
Heavy whipping cream – Adds rich creaminess.
Cheese – A blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella is recommended, but you can mix in your favorites like smoked gouda or cream cheese.
Seasonings – Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, mustard, and a hint of sugar to balance flavors.

How to Make One-Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese

Prepare your ingredients – Grate the cheese and measure everything out.
Cook the pasta – In a large pot, add the dry pasta and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low.
Simmer – Cook until the pasta is al dente, leaving a little water in the pot.
Add the cheese and seasonings – Stir in the cheeses, cream, and spices, mixing until everything melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Serve immediately – Enjoy your creamy mac and cheese while hot!

Pro Tips for the Best Mac and Cheese

✔ Use freshly grated cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
✔ Monitor water levels – If the water evaporates too quickly before the pasta is fully cooked, add a little more and reduce the heat.
✔ Customize it – Try mixing in proteins like bacon, chicken, or shrimp, or veggies like broccoli or spinach.
✔ Don’t skip the sugar – A small amount balances the flavors without making the dish sweet.

Perfect Pairings for Holiday Meals

Mac and cheese is a staple holiday side dish, especially for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Pair it with:

Crispy Miso Smashed Potatoes
Garlic Butter Roasted Potatoes
Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole
Sweet Potato Mash with Miso Butter
Bang Bang Brussels Sprouts (Air Fryer)
Burrata Bruschetta with Tomatoes

More Pasta Recipes to Try

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (with Sausage)
One-Pot Gochujang Pasta
Creamy Chili Oil Pasta
Creamy Bacon Kimchi Pasta
Shrimp Scampi Pasta (without Wine)

For more delicious recipes, follow me on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest! Enjoy your creamy mac and cheese and happy cooking! 🍽️✨

Ingredients:

8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups whole milk
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
Make the Sauce: In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
Add the Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, and enjoy your creamy, cheesy mac and cheese!

Enjoy your One-Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese!