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–+ servings

Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese

This Stovetop Creamy Macaroni and Cheese recipe is the only no bake mac and cheese recipe you will ever need. Rich, decadent and super creamy, this easy 30 minute meal the perfect comfort food dish!
This Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese recipe is the only no bake mac and cheese recipe you will ever need. Rich, decadent and super creamy, this easy 30 minute meal the perfect comfort food dish!
Heather
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Serving Size 12 ea

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces pasta, elbows, shells, ect..
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste
  • 2/3 cup parmesan, grated
  • 16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded or cut in cubes
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Instructions

  • To make this no bake stovetop mac n cheese, start by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil and prepare macaroni following the instructions on the pasta box. Drain and set aside.
  • While your pasta is cooking, in a large saucepan or skillet, melt butter over medium high heat. Once melted, add in flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 1 minute.
  • Pour in milk and chicken broth and spices. Bring to a low boil, whisking constantly.
  • Once a low boil has been reached, add in cheeses and continue to stir until sauce is creamy and smooth. Combine pasta and sauce and stir well to combine. Let your mac and cheese sit for about 5 minutes minutes to set and then serve immediately

Notes

Pro Tips for No Bake Mac and Cheese
  • Cheese is always better off the block. Bags of shredded cheese are coated in anti-clumping preservatives so shredding or cutting up a block of cheese is always better.  It tastes better and always melts better than the convenience bags of pre-shredded cheese. 
  • Go crazy with your cheese choices, if you want. I like sharp cheddars but gruyere, smoked gouda, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack .. all solid choices!
  • Stir in some cooked bacon, ham pieces, leftover chicken or some diced jalapenos for extra flavor.
  • When you add your flour to the butter, be sure to continuously whisk them together to make a roux and to ensure your flour will not stick to your pan. I use a silicone whisk to do this as to not scratch my pan bottom.
  • Looking for more easy recipes that won’t break the bank? Don’t forget to check out my Broke Until Payday ebook where I share 30 original recipes celebrating easy recipes with bold, restaurant-quality flavors while trying to be budget friendly to help save you money! Grab yours today HERE!