🍳DailyRecipes
Dinner

Creamy One Pot Mac and Cheese

This is the ultimate comfort food meal that comes together in a single pot for easy cleanup.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 American· July 19, 2026
Creamy One Pot Mac and Cheese
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
5 minutes
Cook
15 minutes
Total
20 minutes
Serves
6

There is nothing quite like a big bowl of creamy macaroni and cheese after a long day. This version is a favorite in my house because it is extra cheesy and saves you from doing a pile of dishes at the end of the night.

To make this dish even better, try to grate your own cheese from a block. Pre shredded cheese is coated in starch to prevent clumping, so it does not melt down into a smooth sauce as nicely as fresh cheese does.

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine the dry pasta, broth, milk, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large pot or deep skillet.

  2. 2

    Bring the mixture to a boil over medium high heat.

  3. 3

    Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring frequently so the pasta does not stick to the bottom of the pot.

  4. 4

    Continue cooking until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed into a creamy sauce.

  5. 5

    Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the cheddar and parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.

  6. 6

    Serve immediately while warm.

💡 Tips

If the sauce gets too thick as it sits, simply stir in a splash of warm milk to loosen it up. This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to three days, and leftovers can be reheated gently on the stove with a little extra liquid.

#comfort food#dinner#easy recipe#vegetarian#mac and cheese

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