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    Main Dish » Stovetop Mac And Cheese Recipe

    Stovetop Mac And Cheese Recipe

    Posted On February 1, 2022 By Mirlene Last updated February 3, 2022 8 Comments

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    stovetop Mac and cheese Pinterest Pin

    Ultra-creamy stovetop mac and cheese recipe that’s super easy to make and requires only a few ingredients. There’s no need to turn to the boxed macaroni and cheese after making this dish at home!

    • cooked stovetop Mac and cheese in blue bowl

    This stovetop mac and cheese recipe is an outstanding, rich, creamy, and an ultra-cheesy dish! Ready in less than 20 minutes from start to finish.  

    Ingredients – Keep It Simple

    This stovetop mac and cheese can be a stand-alone dish that’s prepared in one pot (as we have done in this dish) or can be a two-part dish. We will explain below. 

     

    Keep the ingredients simple by adding in very little as possible, although to make it a little “fancy” there are always some variations (explained below). 

    • Ingredients

    In this recipe we used: 

    • 1 uncooked pasta: We used cavatappi pasta. We love the curls and it’s pretty enough just in case you want to serve it at a party. Elbow macaroni will also work just fine. 
    • 2 tablespoon butter: Adds richness to the dish.  
    • 2 tablespoon flour, 3 cans (Carnation) Evaporated Milk, and 1 ½ cup heavy whipping cream: These ingredients are added to thicken the sauce and to provide you with the ultimate creamy stovetop mac and cheese dish. 
    • 2 cup cheddar cheese: This is mac and cheese; therefore, this is one of the main ingredients. 
    • 2 tablespoon mustard: Add depth of flavor.  
    • Salt and pepper to taste: We used 1 ½ tsp. Kosher salt, and ⅛ tsp. ground white pepper. 

    Which Pasta To Use 

    Traditionally, cac and cheese uses elbow macaroni, but you can use any small tube-like shaped pasta.

    From cavatappi to small pasta shells, penne which is often used when making Haitian Macaroni and cheese to farfalle (bowtie), all of which are great pasta options to use. 

    Pepper – White Pepper Vs. Black Pepper

    Using white or black pepper is a personal preference as both are from the pepper plant. The fruit of the plant produces the pepper and is later processed differently, which cause them to have a chance of color as well as taste.  

    White pepper is a bit hotter than black pepper, but black pepper has more an intense flavor. 

    How To Make It

    • Begin by cooking your pasta. We recommend cooking the pasta just about al dente; our cavatappi noodles took about 12 minutes, and if you are using elbow macaroni noodles, it will take about 5 minutes.
    • In a small cup or bowl, add the all purpose flour and ½ cup of the heavy cream. Mix well and set aside. Drain the noodles and place the noodles back in the pan. 
    • Reduce to heat to low. Add the evaporated milk, remaining heavy cream, butter, salt and pepper, and cheese (1 cup at a time). Mix well. Next add in the yellow mustard and continue to mix until well incorporated. Serve warm and enjoy.
    • stovetop Mac and cheese in blue bowl

    Recipe Variations

    There are many ways you can alter the recipe to jazz it up. Here are some options. 

    • Milk products: Instead of using evaporated milk, use whole milk or two percent milk. However, in our opinion, evaporated milk, when combined with the heavy cream, will give the dish the best creamy consistency. 
    • Add substance: Feel free to add onions, chicken, broccoli, or peas. This is a great way to sneak in protein and veggies into this dish. 
    • Season to your taste. This dish is very simple. It is seasoned with the mustard, salt and pepper. However, feel free to add seasoning like paprika. Cajun seasoning, dry or fresh chopped herbs, or Dijon mustard. Different seasonings. Prepare this dish to you taste preference. 

    Which Cheese To Use?

    First and foremost, you need Classic sharp cheddar cheese to make your stovetop mac and cheese. From there, feel free to add other cheese. For example, you can add a combination of white cheddar cheese, mozzarella, gruyere, provolone, brie, parmesan cheese, asiago, and goat cheese. 

    We recommend using fresh cheese and grate it yourself. If pre-shredded cheeses is all you have on hand, then use it. Be mindful that pre-shredded cheese has a mixture of natamycin, and powdered cellulose. Although we used pre-shredded cheese in this recipe, we strongly recommend you use freshly grated cheese. 

    Recipe Tips

    1. Follow the directions on the box when cooking the pasta for best results. I always like to cook the pasta a couple minutes less than the recommended time to avoid overcooking.
    2. Do not overcook the pasta, as it will make the ending dish soft and mushy.
    3. Salt the water to provide flavor and add oil to prevent the pasta from sticking to each other. Try to avoid constant stirring as well.
    4. Take your time with the dish. When melting the butter and flour, it can be very tricky. We recommend cooking the dish on medium-low heat. 
    5. Adjust the salt level and cheese as needed.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is baked or stovetop mac and cheese better?

    It is completely up to you. If we are press for time, we always opt in for the stovetop version. 

    Why should I use evaporated milk to make mac and cheese?

    Evaporated milk will make the dish richer as the milk is a concentrated version of whole milk. 

    Can I double the recipe?

    Yes, you absolutely can double the recipe. And it can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. 

    Do I have to use fresh cheese?

    We recommend using fresh cheese and grating it yourself; however, pre-shredded cheese is not always the healthiest, and can make your dish a little grainy.
     
    If you are press for time, the pre-shredded option will work as this is a quick stovetop mac and cheese version. 

    How To Store And Reheat? 

    Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container. Your stovetop mac and cheese will last in the fridge for up to 4 days. 

    • Stovetop Mac and cheese in blue bowl

    To reheat, add a splash of extra milk to the pan and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

    More Pasta Recipes To Enjoy 

    Baked Mac And Cheese With Broccoli

    Cajun Chicken And Shrimp Pasta

    Rasta Pasta Recipe

    Smoked Mac And Cheese

    Vegetable Lo Mein Recipe

    Creamy Shrimp Alfredo

    Air Fryer Lasagna

    Basil Pesto Gnocchi

    Instant Pot Chili Mac And Cheese

    Creamy Shrimp Scampi Linguine

    It warms our hearts to see the recipes you make from this site, and we’d especially would love to know if you tried this recipe.

    Tag us on Instagram or Facebook so we can see your beautiful dish.

    Also, we would appreciate if could give it a star rating below!

    stove top Mac and cheese on wooden board

    Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe

    Savory Thoughts
    This Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe is an outstanding, rich, creamy, and an ultra-cheesy dish! There’s no need to turn to the boxed macaroni and cheese version. Prepare this creamy mac and cheese in minutes. 
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Dinner, Lunch
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 Servings
    Calories 657 kcal

    Equipment

    • Saucepan

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 Lbs. cavatappi pasta
    • 2 tablespoon butter
    • 2 tablespoon flour
    • 2 Cans 12 Oz. evaporated milk
    • 1 ½ cup heavy cream
    • 2 cup cheddar cheese
    • 2 tablespoon yellow mustard
    • salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Begin by cooking your pasta. We recommend cooking the pasta just about al dente; our cavatappi noodles took about 12 minutes, and if you are using elbow macaroni noodles, it will take about 5 minutes.
      In a small cup or bowl, add the all purpose flour and ½ cup of the heavy cream. Mix well and set aside.
      Drain the noodles and place the noodles back in the pan.
      step by step guide to make Mac and cheese
    • Reduce to heat to low. Add the evaporated milk, remaining heavy cream, butter, salt and pepper, and cheese (1 cup at a time). Mix well.
      Next add in the yellow mustard and continue to mix until well incorporated. Serve warm and enjoy.
      stovetop Mac and cheese in blue bowl

    Video

    Notes

    **** When printing the recipe, please unselect the camera so that the pictures are NOT printed with the recipe (if preferred).
     
    Calories are estimated per serving.
     
    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. See our full Privacy Policy. We may receive compensation by clicking on the links and or making a purchase.
     
    Quick mac and cheese recipe tips:
    1. Try not to overcook the pasta, it will become mushy.
    2. Follow the directions on the box when cooking the pasta for best results. 
    3. Salt the water and add oil to prevent the pasta from sticking to each other. 
    4. Take your time with the sauce. Try to stir or whisk in a circular motion.
    5. Add the cheese the first sign you see the milk is about to bubble.
    6. Adjust the salt level and cheese as needed.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 6PeopleCalories: 657kcalCarbohydrates: 71gProtein: 26gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 79mgSodium: 495mgPotassium: 399mgFiber: 3gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 178IUCalcium: 347mgIron: 9mg
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tawnie Kroll

      June 30, 2019 at 6:42 pm

      5 stars
      I love the addition of a little ground mustard, thank you!!

      Reply
    2. Jane Saunders

      June 30, 2019 at 6:41 pm

      5 stars
      I do love a little mozzarella in my M&C so I’m pleased it was included in your recipe. Thanks for your great tips too. This is a recipe my family will be returning to.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        July 01, 2019 at 1:46 am

        Thank you, Jane!

        Reply
    3. Pam Greer

      June 30, 2019 at 6:22 pm

      5 stars
      Love your step by step instructions, I’m definitely going to make this with my grand daughter – she loves mac and cheese!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        July 01, 2019 at 1:47 am

        Thank you, Pam! That’s awesome to hear.

        Reply
    4. Emily

      June 30, 2019 at 2:39 pm

      5 stars
      Great recipe! Thanks for all the trick and tips.

      Reply
    5. Natalie

      June 30, 2019 at 1:58 pm

      5 stars
      I love mac and cheese! Looks so creamy and comforting! Can’t wait to try your recipe ♥

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        July 01, 2019 at 1:48 am

        Thanks, Natalie!

        Reply

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