Beloved by kids and adults alike, this delicious stovetop mac and cheese is the ultimate easy lunch, dinner, or side.
Ingredients
1pounddry pastaany shape
4cupswater
2tablespoonsunsalted butter
1 1/2teaspoonschicken base Better Than Bouillonsee note
1/2teaspoongarlic powder
1/4teaspoonground mustard
1/4teaspoonsalt
8-10cranks freshly-ground black pepper
1/4cupmilkany kind
2cupsshredded sharp cheddar cheeseabout 8 ounces
1cupshredded parmesanabout 4 ounces
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Instructions
Combine the pasta, water, butter, Better Than Bouillon, garlic powder, mustard, salt, and pepper in a large pot over high heat. Stir frequently while bringing the mixture to a rolling boil.
After the water boils, reduce heat to medium and let everything simmer, continuing to stir frequently. Check the pasta every 1-2 minutes. Turn off the heat when the pasta is tender.
Stir in the milk, followed by half of the cheese. Stir well until the cheese is melted and smooth, then add the remaining cheese and stir again. Serve immediately, with a bit more pepper or a sprinkle of parsley, if desired. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
You can omit the Better Than Bouillon, though if you don’t keep it on hand, I highly recommend it—a jar lasts forever, and it’s one of those secret ingredients you’ll reach for again and again! If you leave it out of this recipe, you can sub 2 cups of chicken broth or stock in place of 2 cups of the water to add similar flavor. You should still have 4 cups total liquid in the pot while cooking the pasta.
For a vegetarian dish, swap the chicken Better Than Bouillon for the vegetable, seasoned vegetable, or “no chicken” vegetarian base product. Or simply use 2 cups veggie stock and 2 cups water, per the note above.
I usually opt for whole milk if I have it in the fridge; otherwise our go-to is 2%.
For quality results, buy blocks of cheese and shred them yourself! I know it’s so tempting, but pre-shredded cheese will NOT melt as well and may cause your sauce to be clumpy. Invest in a box shredder with a detachable base like this one - it makes grating and measuring super quick and easy.