Looking for a quick and easy stovetop mac and cheese recipe? This 15-minute homemade mac and cheese is ultra-creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—without needing the oven! Skip the boxed mix and make this one-pot mac and cheese with simple ingredients you already have at home.
We have tested this recipe a dozen times, and still make it frequently. It’s easily adaptable to what you have on hand and our family loves it. This mac and cheese recipe is the closest to the packaged version that you’re going to find…and of course we think it’s even better.
Why You’ll Love This Stovetop Mac & Cheese Recipe
Not only is this flavor of this mac and cheese recipe going to blow you away, it’s a favorite recipe of ours for so many different reasons. It’s the perfect after school snack or quick meal made with ingredients you likely have on hand.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes. Just about as much time as it takes for the pasta to boil and you’ll be ready to serve.
- One-Pot Recipe – Less cleanup is always a win. Our recipe is so simple, you don’t even need flour to make a roux.
- Ultra-Creamy – Made with real cheese for the best texture.
- Kid-Friendly & Customizable – Add bacon, hot sauce, or breadcrumbs, tuna fish to make tuna mac.
Ingredients You’ll Need
A photo of the primary ingredients you’ll need, minus the basics like salt and pepper. For a complete list of ingredients with amounts needed, head to the recipe card below.
After the photo we’ll talk about the ingredients, why they work in this recipe and also substitutions if applicable.
- Elbow Pasta: You can also swap out shells or other small tube shaped pasta, but elbow macaroni gives the classic feel.
- Cheddar Cheese: We love the flavor of sharp cheddar cheese, you can also use a more mild cheddar.
- American cheese: (Not shown in photo) Using a little American cheese gives a more classic flavor and makes this mac and cheese super creamy.
- Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese also adds a sharper flavor, but helps to break up the rich feeling of the sauce.
- Heavy Cream and Whole Milk: We’ve tested this recipe a TON. This is the combination that we found works best!
- Dry Mustard: Just for a touch of tang, again, helping to break up the rich cheese flavor, but it won’t make it taste mustardy.
- Paprika: Adds a touch of a sweet and smoky flavor, not enough for your kids to know it’s in there.
- Garlic and Onion Powder: If you have one or the other that will work fine, but the combination of both is best in our opinion.
- Butter: Throw in a few tablespoons of butter at the end for the ultimate, creamy and rich flavor.
Variations
If you’re not trying to please the kiddos with a fake out version, here are some other cheese options to try!
- Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack
- Gouda, Smoked Gouda
- Havarti
- Velveeta (will provide the CREAMIEST texture)
- Fontina
- Gruyere
Add–Ins
We love to get creative with our stovetop mac and cheese…our favorite mix in of all time is a can of tuna and peas. Like a cheesy, tuna casserole that you don’t have to bake and is done in 15 minutes.
- Diced Ham
- Diced Hot Dogs
- Broccoli
- Ground Beef or Sausage
- Chicken
- Spinach
- Bacon
PRO TIP! You can also make this macaroni and cheese recipe and keep it warm in a crock pot for a party or a holiday. You can also double the sauce so the pasta won’t dry out in the slow cooker.
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Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 Servings 1x
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeThis 15-minute stovetop mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! Skip the box and make this one-pot mac and cheese instead!
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbows, shells or other small tube shaped pasta
- 6 ounces cheddar cheese (see post above for some other cheese options)
- 6 ounces American cheese (sliced from the deli)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons butter (optional but adds a rich flavor)
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of water for the pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Add the milk and cream to the same pot. Bring to a simmer and then stir in cheese and seasonings. Once the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth, stir in the cooked macaroni and taste for seasonings.
- Serve immediately or keep in a slow cooker on the keep warm or low setting.
Recipe Notes
Store: Store leftover mac and cheese in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat leftovers in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce.
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
