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One-Pot Mac and Cheese

One-Pot Mac and Cheese

Delicious, creamy One-Pot Mac and Cheese made with sharp cheddar and Parmesan, perfect for a quick meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 540 kcal

Equipment

  • large stockpot

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound uncooked pasta (I used cavatappi)
  • 3 cups water
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 to 4 cups freshly-grated sharp cheddar cheese (see note below)
  • 1 cup finely-grated Parmesan cheese
  • freshly-ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Combine the pasta, water, milk, Dijon, sea salt and garlic powder in a large stockpot. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring the pasta once every few minutes, until the water reaches a boil. Adjust heat as needed to maintain a rolling boil. Continue cooking the pasta, stirring once or twice per minute, until the pasta is just barely al dente. Remove pot from heat.
  • Check to see how much starchy pasta water remains in the pot. If there seems to be more than ½ cup, remove and save the excess water. If there is no starchy pasta water left, add ½ cup hot water to the pot.
  • Add the cheese to the pasta and gently stir until completely melted. If the pasta seems too dry, stir some of the reserved starchy pasta water back in as needed.
  • Taste and season with additional salt if needed.
  • Serve warm, garnished with a few twists of black pepper and enjoy!

Notes

The shape of pasta is important; use one that lists an approximately 8-minute cooking time. My preferred amount of cheese is 2 cups for a lighter dish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 25gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 600IUCalcium: 600mgIron: 2mg
Keyword cheesy pasta, comfort food, Mac and Cheese, One-Pot, quick meal
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