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+ servings
macaroni and cheese, broccoli on black plate
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Single Serving Mac and Cheese

Dinner is just 15 minutes away with this easy single serving mac and cheese. It's versatile, delicious, and made with a handful of pantry ingredients. Enjoy it as is or add a side for a filling meal.
Course dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 1 person

Equipment

  • Small-Medium Pot with lid
  • Large saucepan optional-if cooking pasta and sauce at same time
  • Colander
  • whisk
  • Large serving spoon
  • Measuring cups, spoons

Ingredients

  • water
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to your preference
  • cup macaroni noodles
  • 1 teaspoon butter
  • 2 teaspoons flour
  • pinch Paprika optional
  • ¼ cup milk or cream
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 Tablespoon parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Cook ⅔ cup pasta in small-medium sized pot over high heat. Cook according to package directions, until al dente. Set aside, covered.
  • Melt 1 teaspoon butter in same pot over medium-low heat. Once melted, add 2 teaspoons flour, pinch of paprika (optional). Whisk until paste forms.
  • Once paste has formed, whisk in ¼ cup milk or cream. Whisk until smooth. Add ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1 Tablespoon parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth.
  • Once sauce is smooth and thickened, add pasta back to it. Combine until all noodles are coated in sauce, add a dash of milk to thin it out if necessary. Serve immediately.
  • Serve by itself or with sides like: Pan Fried Pork Chop with Apples, Shrimp, Air Fryer Broccolini, or this Kale Apple Salad.

Video

Notes

  • Use whatever pasta you have.
  • You don't have to just use cheddar cheese and parmesan. Gruyere and sharp cheddar are also great in mac & cheese. Use what you have on hand or like best.
  • Substitute the milk for cream or use whatever milk/cream you have.
  • Make your sauce in the pasta pot after cooking the pasta, or in a large skillet while  pasta is cooking. Either works.
  • Top with skillet breadcrumbs (like from this Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe) or add  uncooked breadcrumbs and broil in the oven.
  • Optional Add-Ins: Dash of garlic salt, red pepper flakes, etc.
  • Serve your single serving mac and cheese by itself or with Pan Fried Pork Chop with Apples, Shrimp, Air Fryer Broccolini, or this Kale Apple Salad.