This stove top Mac & Cheese recipe stands out among over 12 tried variations. It combines 1 lb of pasta with a creamy sauce made from milk, heavy cream, cheddar, butter, and flour, seasoned with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Enjoy it hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
The BEST Stove Top Mac & Cheese
If you’re craving comfort food, you can’t go wrong with a classic dish like Stove Top Mac & Cheese. Not only is it quick and easy to prepare, but it’s also cheesy, creamy, and downright delicious.
To create the BEST version of this beloved meal, start by cooking your favorite macaroni until it’s perfectly al dente. Meanwhile, melt a generous amount of butter in a saucepan and stir in the milk, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Once heated, gradually whisk in your choice of cheese—sharp cheddar, creamy Gruyère, or a blend for that extra flavor kick.
Once your cheese has melted into a rich, creamy sauce, combine it with the cooked pasta. For a finishing touch, add a dash of garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and some freshly cracked black pepper. You can even sprinkle in some breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping or toss in your favorite veggies for a little extra nutrition.
Enjoy your homemade Stove Top Mac & Cheese straight from the pot, or serve it in a bowl for a cozy dinner. This recipe is a surefire way to satisfy your cheese cravings and impress your friends and family. Get ready for a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl!
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The Creamiest Stove Top Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta - I used “Shellbows” they’re like elbows and shells
- 1 ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ cup heavy cream
- 12 oz cheese - freshly grated
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 tsp garlic - powder
- 1 tsp paprika - powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Equipment
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil and cooking your pasta of choice. whilst your pasta is cooking in a separate skilled add your butter over medium heat and melt your butter down.1 lb pasta, 1/4 cup butter
- Once your butter is melted whisk in your flour to make a roux. Cooking the roux until it’s lightly golden and then whisk in your milk and heavy cream. Let this mixture thicken over medium heat for 4-5 minutes.1 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup flour, 1 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Once your mixture is nice and thick, add In your cheese handful at a time whilst whisking to make sure it fully melts and doesn’t get clumpy.12 oz cheese
- Stir in your garlic powder, salt, pepper and paprika. Once your noodles are fully cooked strain them to remove all the water and add your cheese sauce mixture to the noodles and mix well.1 tsp garlic, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1 tsp paprika
- Serve hot with some fresh parsley garnish and enjoy!
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