One-Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe

Name: One-Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz elbow macaroni; 4 cups whole milk; 2 cups water; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar; 1 cup shredded mozzarella; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tsp mustard powder; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Quick Answer

Add 2 cups dry pasta, 2 cups water, 1 cup milk, 1 tbsp butter, and salt to a pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and liquid is absorbed (10-12 min). Off heat, stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar until melted and creamy. Add more milk if needed.

By Sarah Mitchell • June 14, 2026

Prep: 5 min

Cook: 15 min

Servings: 4

Difficulty: Easy

one-potstovetopvegetarianbeginner-friendly

Pin This Recipe

Creamy stovetop mac and cheese where the pasta cooks directly in the milk sauce. One pot, 20 minutes.

About This Recipe

"One-Pot Mac and Cheese" is a Dinner recipe that brings elbow macaroni, whole milk, water, shredded sharp cheddar and shredded mozzarella together into a flavorful, well-balanced dish. Rated Easy and ready in about 20 minutes, this recipe fits easily into a busy schedule. It serves 4 and works equally well for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. The American inspiration behind this dish balances classic techniques with clean, vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

16 oz elbow macaroni
4 cups whole milk
2 cups water
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
1 cup shredded mozzarella
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp mustard powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1
Add pasta, milk, water, butter, mustard powder, garlic powder, and salt to a large pot.
2
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
3
Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 10-12 minutes, stirring every couple minutes, until pasta is cooked and liquid is thickened.
4
Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until completely melted and creamy.
5
Season with pepper. Let sit 2 minutes to thicken further. Serve immediately.

Expert Tips

For the best result, use the freshest, highest-quality ingredients you can find. Elbow macaroni is the heart of this dish, so choose it with care. Read the recipe through before you start and prep all ingredients in advance (mise en place) so the cooking process is smooth. One pot and stovetop work especially well for this preparation. Because the recipe is vegetarian and beginner-friendly, it fits easily into balanced eating plans. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and acid at the end to make the flavors pop.

What To Serve With This

"One-Pot Mac and Cheese" is a versatile Dinner dish that pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, crusty bread or dinner rolls and classic American sides. Choose at least one fresh and one hearty side to create a balanced meal.

Storage & Reheating

One-Pot Mac and Cheese keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating to preserve texture. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the dish thickens in the fridge. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

514

Calories

32g

Protein

31g

Fat

37g

Carbs

Fiber

Sugar

672mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Why cook pasta in milk?

When pasta cooks in milk, the starch it releases thickens the milk into a creamy sauce — no roux or flour needed. The result is a sauce that coats every noodle perfectly, and it's all done in one pot.

My pasta absorbed all the liquid but isn't done?

Add more milk or water, 1/4 cup at a time, and continue simmering. Different pasta brands absorb different amounts of liquid. Keep the heat at a gentle simmer, not a full boil.