Stove Top Creamy Mac and Cheese

A bowl of stovetop mac and cheese with a spoon in it.

Stove Top Creamy Mac and Cheese

Nothing says comfort food like a bowl of stove top creamy mac and cheese. This homemade version is quick, easy, and ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you need something cozy on the table fast.

Course dinner, Entree, Lunch, Main, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Diet Low Salt

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings servings

Calories 473kcal

Author Jessy Freimann

Equipment

Ingredients

1 ½ cups elbow pasta, cooked per package directions and drained
2 Tablespoons salted butter
2 Tablespoons flour
1 ½ cups whole milk
½ teaspoon Kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon ground mustard powder
1 pinch ground nutmeg
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add flour and whisk until no lumps remain. Cook for 2 minutes stirring often.
Whisk in milk, salt, pepper, ground mustard, garlic powder and nutmeg.
Cook for 5-7 minutes stirring the entire time until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Reduce heat to low and add both cheeses. Whisk until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Mix well with pasta and cook for another minute or two. Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

Whisk the sauce often over medium heat so it thickens smoothly without scorching. Keeping the heat gentle takes a little longer, but the creamy results are worth it.
You’ll know the sauce is thick enough when it coats the back of a spoon. That’s the perfect time to stir in the cheese.
Don’t stress if your cheese looks stringy at first. Just keep the heat low and keep stirring... it will smooth out.
I like to use a mix of cheeses for more flavor. Sharp cheddar is classic, but a little mozzarella or Gruyère takes it up a notch.
Switch things up! Try a pinch of cayenne, blanched veggies like broccoli or peas, canned green chiles, crispy bacon, or even lobster for a treat.
Ingredients to prep ahead- Shred the cheese and boil the pasta ahead of time. Just finish cooking the pasta when you’re ready to stir it into the sauce.
Leftovers and storage- Keep any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk so it stays creamy. Freezing isn’t recommended since the pasta gets mushy after thawing.

Nutrition