When you’re craving comfort in a bowl, nothing hits the spot like a steaming serving of creamy mac and cheese. This One-Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese delivers everything you love — silky cheese sauce, tender pasta, and buttery flavor — all in just one pot. That means less cleanup, faster prep, and more time to sit back and enjoy.
Made with real cheese, simple pantry ingredients, and no complicated steps, this recipe is perfect for weeknights, lunchboxes, or last-minute gatherings. And yes, it’s so creamy and rich, no one will believe it didn’t come out of a fancy oven-baked casserole dish.
💛 Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Mac
- Creamy, cheesy, and ultra comforting
- No draining required — pasta cooks in milk and water
- Ready in under 25 minutes
- Perfect base for add-ins like bacon, broccoli, or chicken
- Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved
👉 My tip: Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or mascarpone for next-level silkiness. You’ll thank me later!
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack (for meltiness)
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional, but recommended)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Combine Pasta, Milk, and Water
In a large saucepan or deep skillet, add elbow macaroni, milk, water, butter, salt, and garlic powder (if using). Stir everything together.
2. Simmer Until Pasta is Tender
Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
💡 If the mixture gets too thick before the pasta is cooked, add a splash more milk or water.
3. Add the Cheese
Turn the heat to low. Stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese (if using). Mix until smooth, melty, and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
4. Serve and Garnish
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs, a pinch of paprika, or even some toasted breadcrumbs if you’re feeling fancy.
🍴 Optional Add-Ins
Take your mac and cheese to the next level with:
- Crispy bacon bits or pancetta
- Steamed broccoli or peas
- Hot sauce or Dijon mustard for a kick
- Rotisserie chicken for protein-packed comfort
- Caramelized onions or roasted garlic
🔍 Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Serves 4)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 16g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
✨ From My Kitchen to Yours
This One-Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese is one of those recipes that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of dish you can whip up when you’re short on time but need something warm and indulgent — no oven, no roux, no stress. And once you master this method, it’s endlessly customizable.
Need to stretch it for a crowd? Double the batch. Want to sneak in some veggies? Stir in spinach or peas at the end. This is mac and cheese your way — every time.
