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Are you looking for a super simple, creamy, and delicious mac and cheese recipe? What if I told you this recipe can be made even faster than the stuff in the blue box? This stovetop mac and cheese is made with no flour, real cheese, and can be ready in about 10 minutes. Yes, it really is THAT easy!
This recipe is dangerously easy. You’re telling me I can have creamy mac and cheese in minutes with minimal dishes? Sign me up!
This mac and cheese recipe is simple and incredibly versatile. When you want no-frills creamy mac and cheese, this is the recipe for you. If you want to get a little fancy, try switching up the cheese or add in bacon, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes. One time I had a leftover cheese board and just dumped 8 ounces of whatever fancy cheeses I had, and it was AMAZING.
Mac and Cheese Without Flour
The best part of this recipe for me is that there is no need to make a roux with flour and butter. This is all thanks to the evaporated milk. This is shelf-stable milk that has about 60% of the water content removed. The lower water content ensures the cheese will stay creamy and not break. I don’t recommend substituting milk or cream instead of evaporated milk for this recipe as you won’t get the same results.
Main Ingredients for Stovetop Mac and Cheese
The ingredient list for this mac and cheese recipe is oh, so simple:
- Cheese – For the creamiest texture, don’t use pre-grated cheese. Go with a block of cheese and grate or chop it yourself.
- Go with a classic sharp cheddar cheese or get adventurous! Other options include gouda, gruyere, brie, or parmesan.
- Barilla Ready Pasta – I used this pasta in my Gemelli Pasta recipe, and I loved how easy it was to use. It saves you time and from using an extra pot to boil pasta.
- Of course, you could use regular dry pasta and just cook according to package directions. I used the classic elbow pasta here, but you could also try cavatappi or penne.
- This is also a great recipe to sub in gluten free pasta, too!
- Evaporated Milk – This is the key ingredient! No need to use flour to make a roux with this recipe. The lower water content of the evaporated milk keeps the cheese sauce from breaking or becoming grainy. You won’t get the same results if you use just regular milk or cream.
- Seasonings – To kick up the flavor I add salt, paprika, mustard, and white pepper. Be sure to adjust the seasonings depending on what type of cheese you use.
- Other options to try include chipotle, garlic, or a splash of hot sauce.
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Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese (Stovetop)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 packs Barilla Ready Pasta (substitute with 4 servings dry pasta and cook according to package directions)
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (don't use pre-shredded cheese)
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dry yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper (substitute with black pepper)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Gather the ingredients.
- Microwave the Barilla Ready Pasta according to package directions and set aside. You'll need two packs for 4 servings.
- Take your cheese block and grate or cut into smaller cubes. Set aside.
- In a medium pot, pour in the evaporated milk with paprika, mustard, pepper, and salt. Turn heat onto medium.
- Add in the cheese, and continually stir to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan.
- When the cheese is melted, add the pasta into the pot. Stir the pasta into the sauce and allow it to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
- When the sauce has slightly thickened, turn off the heat. Make sure the sauce is not too thick as it will continue to thicken as it sits. If it's too thick, you can add in a little more milk or water to loosen it up.
- Serve that bad boy up in a bowl and enjoy!
Notes
- If you don’t want to use the Barilla Ready Pasta, you can use dry pasta and cook according to package directions. Alternative pasta to use includes cavatappi, penne, or try gluten-free pasta.
- Pre-shredded cheese has a coating on it that prevents it from melting smoothly. Go with a block of cheese, and don’t use pre-shredded.
- Depending on the cheese you use, you’ll need to adjust the salt and other seasonings.
- Other delicious add-ins to try: bacon, broccoli, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
This recipe looks delicious!