Quick Mac and Cheese for One
A simple, creamy stovetop mac and cheese made for one in about 20 minutes.
Servings: 1 servings
Ingredients
- 2.5 ounces uncooked macaroni or pasta of choice (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk any percentage
- 2 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 1/2 cup)
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- pinch cayenne pepper optional
- pinch nutmeg optional
Instructions
- Bring a small pot of lightly salted water to a boil over high heat.
- While the water heats, shred the cheddar and measure the butter, flour, and milk.
- Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until al dente, then drain in a colander and set aside.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until it forms a thick paste and turns lightly golden, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, breaking up any lumps, and continue whisking until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble at the edges, about 2 to 5 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar until fully melted. Season with salt and pepper, and add a pinch of cayenne and/or nutmeg if using, to taste.
- Toss the drained pasta with the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately.
Equipment
- small pot
- Small Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- cheese grater
- Colander
Notes
- Measure non-macaroni shapes by weight, not volume, for accuracy.
- Any melty cheese or mix of cheeses may be used in place of all cheddar.
- If doubling the recipe, the sauce may take a minute or two longer to thicken.