4-Ingredient Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

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Craving mac and cheese but don’t want the hassle? This 4-ingredient stovetop recipe is your answer. You can whip up a creamy, cheesy dish in just 20 minutes. With only pasta, cream, cheddar, and Parmesan, you’ll create a comforting meal that rivals any boxed version.

The best part? It’s super easy to make. Just boil the pasta, heat the cream, melt in the cheeses, and mix it all together. Add a dash of salt and pepper to taste. For a spicy kick, try topping it with some sriracha. This recipe serves 6, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy stovetop mac and cheese:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni or cavatappi
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 6 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
• 1 1/2 ounces Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (about 3/4 cup)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• Black pepper to taste
• Sriracha for serving (optional)

You’ll also need a large pot for boiling the pasta and a saucepan for making the cheese sauce.

This recipe is super simple and uses just a few basic ingredients. You can easily find them at your local grocery store.

Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese or cream to suit your taste. You can also try different types of cheese for variety.

Remember, fresh ingredients will give you the best flavor. Grate your own cheese if possible, as pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can affect the texture of your sauce.

Instructions

You can make this yummy mac and cheese in just a few easy steps. Here’s what to do:

1. 
   

   Boil a big pot of water with salt. Add the pasta and cook it until it’s almost done, about 9-11 minutes.

   
   
2. 
   

   While the pasta cooks, heat the cream in a large pan. When it starts to bubble, add the cheeses, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese melts.

   
   
3. 
   

   Drain the cooked pasta. Add it to the cheese sauce and mix well.

   
   
4. 
   

   If you like spicy food, add some sriracha on top.

   
   

That’s it! Your creamy, cheesy mac and cheese is ready to eat. This recipe is super simple and quick. You’ll have a tasty meal in no time.

Remember, you can use elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta. Both work great for this dish. The gooey cheese sauce will coat every bite.

You can serve this as a main dish or as a side. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fast and yummy.

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

You can easily change up this mac and cheese recipe to suit your tastes. Here are some tasty substitutes and variations to try:

Pasta options:
• Shells
• Rotini
• Penne
• Farfalle (bow-tie)

Cheese choices:
• Sharp cheddar for more flavor
• Gruyère for a nutty taste
• Gouda for a smoky twist
• Monterey Jack for a mild, creamy option

Want to make it healthier? Try swapping half the pasta for cooked cauliflower florets. You can also use milk instead of cream, but the sauce may not be as rich.

For extra protein, mix in some cooked chicken, bacon bits, or canned tuna. Veggies like peas, broccoli, or spinach add color and nutrients.

Spice it up with a dash of garlic powder, paprika, or mustard powder. A pinch of nutmeg can add warmth to the cheese sauce.

For a crunchy topping, sprinkle on some toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before serving. You can also bake the mac and cheese for a few minutes to get a golden crust.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Make your mac and cheese extra creamy by adding a splash of milk when reheating. This helps bring back that smooth texture.

For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and broil for 2-3 minutes before serving. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Try different cheese combos! Mix in some smoked gouda or sharp cheddar for extra flavor.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a bit of milk and stir well.

Freeze individual portions for quick meals later. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Add veggies like peas or broccoli for a nutritious boost. Mix them in during the last few minutes of cooking.

For a spicy kick, stir in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

Make a double batch and use the leftovers for mac and cheese bites. Form into balls, bread, and bake for a tasty snack.