This is an absolute comfort food classic but made even easier. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, all in one pan, no boiling required.
This Simple Macaroni Cheese is a winner any day of the week!
This creamy classic is cheesy magic perfection! Here we’re making it super simple for a quick vegetarian dinner and zero faff, because that’s how we roll. This recipe for Macaroni Cheese is made in one pan and has an indulgent edge while actually being zero-fuss.
We’re not making a cheese sauce here, nor are we cooking the pasta separately. Yes, we’re cutting a few corners for the sake of convenience (and our sanity) but take my word for it when I say – it still tastes SO GOOD. I am always willing to forfeit maybe 10% less perfection for ease and that pays off for this recipe.
Why you’ll love this recipe
⭐️ Quick (takes about 15 minutes)
⭐️ Comforting and satisfying
⭐️ Easy and simple ingredients
About Macaroni Cheese
Mac and Cheese is famous the world over, and Americans are such big consumers of it that it’s often mistakenly believed that that’s where the dish originated.
In fact, Macaroni Cheese actually originated in Europe somewhere (some say Italy, others claim Switzerland). But it dates back centuries in some form or another, so it’s difficult to get a matching tale. Let’s just say we’re all fans.
It’s a soul-soother of a dish, and one that firmly belongs in our comfort food repertoire. So grab your non-stick pan and get cooking!
What you’ll need
- Dry macaroni – Macaroni is the perfect pasta shape for this as it’s small, so cooks quickly, but sturdy so it’s okay with being stirred a lot.
- Milk – Whole milk ideally, but any will be fine.
- Onion granules – Or powder, dried.
- Mustard – Any is fine. I use American. It does add just an edge of flavour that’s needed.
- Gruyere cheese – This gives lots of flavour and that cheese pull!
- Mature cheddar – Adds another layer of flavour.
- Single cream – This adds richness and texture to the sauce. In testing this recipe, we did try it without but we really felt that this added a special silkiness.
How to make it
- Add the first ingredients to a pan and cook on a medium low heat.
2. Turn the heat down and stir in the rest of the ingredients until the cheese is melted.
Hint: Make sure you use a non-stick pan and stir often to stop it sticking. You’ll notice from the photos above that I had to change mine for this reason!
Substitutions
- Pasta – You can use a different type of pasta BUT it won’t be quite as reliable as macaroni and can stick/break up when cooked this way. Macaroni is particularly sturdy for cooking like this and stirring a lot.
- Gruyere cheese – Use this for the ‘cheesy pull’ gooeyness but it’s not vital if you don’t have it. You will need one strong cheese though (at least) for flavour.
Leftovers
In the fridge You can keep this recipe in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat fully in the microwave before serving (you may need a little water to loosen it). Be aware that pasta can sometimes go a little soggy and break up when reheated, and I wouldn’t freeze this for the same reason.
Top tips
Cheese
Add more cheese if you want to or use up any odds and ends of cheese you have. (Psst… This is a perfect recipe for Twixmas, when you have tonnes of leftover cheese and can’t be bothered making much of an effort, but everyone still needs feeding!)
FAQ
This happens if the pasta is left for a while before serving, or if it’s slightly over cooked.
You can add more hot milk and/or cheese and stir well to create more ‘sauce’.
Sure. How about crispy bacon on top, some blue cheese crumbled in or walnuts on top? I also garnish this with chopped chives.
Yes, you could add cooked meat, or you might prefer one of my other one pan pasta recipes like sausage pasta, chorizo pasta or cajun chicken pasta.
Let me know how you got on and what you thought of these recipes. Please rate the recipe using the ⭐️ below.
Also I’d LOVE to see your cooking creations. If you’d like to share yours with me, you can tag me on Instagram (@tamingtwins).
Simple Macaroni Cheese {One Pan}
Ingredients
To cook the pasta:
- 500 g Dry macaroni
- 1 litre Water
- 400 ml Milk
- 2 tsp Onion granules
- 1 tsp Mustard
- Salt and pepper
To finish:
- 200 g Gruyere Grated
- 250 g Mature cheddar Grated
- 150 ml Single cream
To garnish (optional):
- Crispy fried bacon pieces, chopped fresh chives, freshly ground black pepper or crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Put the first ingredients in a pan together, put the lid on and cook on medium-low for about 10-13 minutes stirring often until pasta is just cooked. (If your water/milk is absorbed already and pasta not cooked, add a splash more).
- When it's cooked, turn heat to low, stir in the rest of the ingredients in and mix everything together until the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Serve immediately (I like to garnish with chopped chives or crispy pieces of bacon).
Carla @carlita114 says
Looks good and tasty. I’m going to give this recipe a go this week
Sarah Barnes says
Let me know how you get on Carla!
Michelle says
That looks so sinfully lush!
Sarah Barnes says
What are the best things always so naughty Michelle?!
bluebirdsunshine says
Comfort food heaven! That looks amazing.
Sarah Barnes says
Thank you! It is a bit yum..
FromageHomage says
Roasted garlic, pancetta and cheese – sounds about perfect. Thanks for sharing with Cheese, Please! this month 🙂
Caroline (BecomingaSAHM) says
Wow this looks seriously tasty! I love creamy pasta dishes and hope it tastes as amazing as it looks!! Will definitely be giving this a try! #TastyTuesdays
Julie says
Oh, delicious. I think my family would enjoy this mac ‘n’ cheese. I love the addition of pancetta too.
Sara (@mumturnedmom) says
That sounds heavenly (minus the bacon for the veggie…). Macaroni cheese is my ultimate comfort food 🙂
Sammie Hodges says
Oh wow I love mac n cheese but my family aren’t so keen. Gonna give this a go maybe it will change their minds!
Sarah Barnes says
Perfect Sammie, no need to share! 😉
Tina @ The Spicy Pear says
I want to dive into a bowl of your macaroni. It really is the perfect comfort food. I love the addition of the roasted garlic, yummy. Fab entry for this month’s #PastaPlease challenge. Thank you.
Sarah Barnes says
Thanks Tina 🙂
Honest Mum says
Oh wow, this looks so moorish and all in one pan, love the sound of that. Thanks for linking up to #tastytuesdays
seychellesmama says
oh my god!!! I need this. (my tummy and bum doesn’t but I do!!!)
Emma says
Hello! Loved this recipe so much I have included it over at BritMums on the Food Round up this month… All things Valentine! Apt no? I thought so for something so delicious! 😀
jasmine says
how do i print this
can’t wait to make it xx
Diane West says
Trying this out today. Comfort food requested on this dank, mizzly Sunday. Mac & Cheese is a favourite in our home so I hope I do your recipe justice! Thank you 😊 xx
Jenny says
My family loved this Macaroni Cheese recipe! I used semi-skimmed milk, because I forgot to buy whole milk, and it still worked really well! Will try whole milk next time.
Danielle says
Could you possibly do this in the slow cooker?
Susie says
I need this absolute filth in my life…does anything hit the carb spot like Mac n cheese?