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Close-up of creamy one-pot macaroni and cheese in a black bowl, elbow pasta coated in smooth, melted cheddar cheese sauce, garnished with small parsley flakes, bright natural lighting, realistic food photography, warm and comforting presentation.

One Pot Mac and Cheese

Rich, cheesy, and irresistibly creamy, this one-pot mac and cheese is a comfort food dream made effortlessly in a single pot.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Comfort Food, Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Family Friendly
Calories: 818
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb 500 g dried macaroni (elbow or small tubular pasta)
  • 2 ½ –3 cups 600–720 ml milk (room temperature, semi-skimmed preferred)
  • 2 cups 480 ml chicken stock (warm, not boiling)
  • 1 cup 240 ml heavy cream (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder for subtle tang
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder for flavor
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder for flavor
  • ¼ teaspoon white pepper for mild heat
  • 4 oz 125 g cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
  • 2 ½ cups 250 g medium cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
  • 1 cup 100 g Gruyère cheese (grated, for nuttiness)
  • ½ cup 50 g mozzarella cheese (shredded, for stretch)

Method
 

  1. Add macaroni to a large pot, then pour in 2 ½ cups (600 ml) milk, all the chicken stock, and cream. Stir in mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and white pepper.
  2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook until macaroni is al dente, adding extra milk gradually if liquid evaporates before pasta is tender.
  3. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and smooth.
  4. Add the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, then fold in the mozzarella. If sauce is too thick or cheese isn’t melting, add warm milk a splash at a time until desired creaminess is reached.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

This mac and cheese is perfectly creamy and comforting. Serve it warm for cozy dinners or as a decadent side for family meals.