mac and cheesepastaone pot
Easy 3-Ingredient Mac and Cheese
A creamy one-pot macaroni and cheese made with whole milk, elbow macaroni and cheddar cheese in approximately 18 minutes.
From YouTube · Apr 21, 2026
A creamy one-pot macaroni and cheese made with whole milk, elbow macaroni and cheddar cheese in approximately 18 minutes.
3 min
Prep time
15 min
Cook time
18 min
Total time
6 servings
Yield
Ingredients
6 ingredients- 4 cups (1 litre) whole milk
- 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni
- 7 oz (200 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt, to taste (optional)
- Black pepper, to taste (optional)
- Paprika, to taste (optional)
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups
- Kitchen scale
- Cheese grater
Method
5 steps- Pour the whole milk into a large saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stir regularly and watch carefully so the milk does not scorch or boil over.
- Add the elbow macaroni and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is tender and most of the milk has been absorbed. Do not drain the pasta.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the shredded cheddar and stir until completely melted and creamy.
- Season with salt, black pepper and paprika if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Helpful tips
- Use whole milk for the creamiest texture.
- Keep the milk at a gentle simmer and stir frequently because milk can scorch easily.
- Shred the cheddar from a block if possible; pre-shredded cheese may contain anti-caking agents that affect melting.
- The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- If the macaroni becomes too thick, stir in a small splash of warm milk before serving.
Storage
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk and stirring regularly to restore the creamy consistency.
Additional tips
- Contains milk and wheat. Check the pasta and cheese labels for additional allergens. Stir the milk regularly while heating because it can scorch or boil over.
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