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Quick 5-Ingredient Mac and Cheese

Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, this Quick 5-Ingredient Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food ready in just about 15 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni or any preferred pasta Use any pasta shape you like.
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded A good quality sharp cheddar enhances the flavor.
  • 1 cup whole milk Gives a rich creaminess, but any milk can be used.
  • 2 tablespoons butter Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
  • salt and pepper To taste.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Making the Cheese Sauce
  1. In the same pot, melt the butter over low heat.
  2. Once melted, add the milk and stir until heated through.
  3. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the milk and butter mixture, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and creamy.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Add the cooked macaroni back to the pot and stir until all the pasta is well-coated with the cheese sauce. If necessary, adjust the consistency by adding more milk.
Seasoning and Serving
  1. Taste the mac and cheese, then add salt and pepper to your liking.
  2. Dish out the creamy mac and cheese into bowls and enjoy immediately!

Notes

Try mixing other cheese varieties like mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor. You can also experiment by adding bacon bits, broccoli, or jalapeños. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.