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Hands holding bowl of mac and cheese over pan.
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4.94 from 15 votes

One-Pot Mac and Cheese

The method for this creamy and cheese One Pot Mac and Cheese recipe is streamlined to cut down on dishwashing—and to ensure the easiest method to the yummiest dish!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 -6
Calories: 475kcal
Author: Amy Palanjian

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 3 cups reduced sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 8 ounces elbow or small shell pasta
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (feel free to double this!)
  • ½ cup milk (or heavy cream)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon cream cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Add the broth to a large pot set over high heat. Bring just to a boil, then reduce to medium-high.
  • Stir in the pasta and salt, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally or until the pasta is just soft. (The liquid will not be totally absorbed and that is okay—it will be by the end of the process!)
  • Turn the heat off and stir the milk, cheese, butter, and cream cheese into the pasta mixture. Cover and let sit for 3-5 minutes.
  • Taste and season with onion powder if using and additional salt as needed. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Warm for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through, in the microwave. Add a splash of milk and stir to return to the original creaminess.
  • Freeze for up to 6 months. When warming in the microwave, add a splash of milk and stir to return to the original creaminess.
  • The size of the pasta you use may alter the cooking time slightly. This recipe was tested with small shell pasta, so any kind that's a similar size should work the same.
  • I don't often call for using only a half-pound of pasta, but this recipe is very filling so I went with a smaller amount here to avoid a ton of leftovers. If you want to use a full pound, click the "2x" in the recipe card to adjust it up.
  • Add the optional spices to add more flavor as desired. Adults may also like to top their serving with crushed red pepper or hot sauce.
  • Add a splash of milk when you reheat this to easily return it to the original super creamy state.
    Add peas to the dish to add protein and a veggie, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 475kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 584mg | Potassium: 622mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1058IU | Vitamin C: 63mg | Calcium: 395mg | Iron: 2mg