A recipe for Macaroni and Cheese in just 15 minutes? Yes, you can make a delicious and easy One Pot Mac and Cheese in no time at all! This simple mac and cheese recipe is so tasty, so cheesy, and can be made in minutes. Welcome to your new go-to meal!
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15 Minute Recipe for Macaroni and Cheese
This 15 Minute Recipe for Macaroni and Cheese is incredibly easy and incredibly tasty. Make dinner easy with this one pot mac and cheese recipe!
There was a time, not long ago, when I literally couldn’t cook a thing. Not one single thing. Not even a simple mac and cheese recipe. My roommate joked that I couldn’t make instant coffee…so it was a very sad situation. I would get nervous when I would babysit because “what if the kids need me to cook dinner?” Looking back, it seems pretty silly.
If I would have learned this one simple recipe a couple years ago, then I might have never gone on this cooking journey. This 15 Minute recipe for Macaroni and Cheese is so easy and so good, I might have decided then that I didn’t need to cook anything else!
This One Pot Mac and Cheese literally takes 15 minutes or less. All you need is the time it takes to boil noodles and add your ingredients, and that is it. Perfect, right? The ingredients sound a bit strange (egg, evaporated milk, mustard), but somehow they all come together to make the best mac and cheese recipe I have ever had!
Be sure to try my Baked Feta Pasta and Pesto Pasta Salad too!
Why you will love this recipe!
- One pot: All made in the same pot, even clean up is a breeze!
- Quick and easy: Even the most novice of cooks will master this homemade mac and cheese recipe, and it’s a perfect go to after a busy day.
- Kid-friendly: This is one delicious dinner that the whole family will love, even your picky eaters will devour it!
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How to Make Macaroni and Cheese in 15 Minutes
One pot mac and cheese in 15 minutes…without a box? Some recipes just seem to good to be true, but I promise this one is REAL and REALLY easy. This is my favorite recipe for macaroni and cheese simply because I can make it when I’m in a rush and need something quick to fill me up. Plus it’s super yummy!
- Cook the macaroni noodles.
- Combine the rest of your ingredients (except butter) in a bowl.
- Melt butter in the microwave.
- When noodles are done, turn off heat, drain noddles and return to pot.
- Stir the butter into the noodles.
- Add the other mixture into the pot of macaroni.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring slowly.
This recipe for macaroni and cheese shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes, possibly less depending on how long your noodles take. Cheesy, creamy, and easy! See the recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
Quick mac and cheese recipe
Why bother with boxed mac and cheese when you can make this recipe for macaroni and cheese from scratch in 15 minutes or less? It’s a no-brainer! The ingredients in this simple mac and cheese recipe blend together perfectly to create something soooo creamy and cheesy. I can’t get enough of it!
This is perfect for dinner or as a side dish. Any time you need a quick and easy meal for your family or just for yourself, make this one pot mac and cheese in no time. You’ll want to make this every single night, so be warned: it’s addicting!
Can you make it ahead of time?
This mac and cheese is best enjoyed as soon as it’s made, but if you have leftovers, they will keep well covered in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Recipe Variations
This simple mac and cheese recipe just became my new favorite meal! And to make it even better, you could change it up and make this recipe in so many different ways. Try adding various cheeses, pop in some tomatoes, or add chicken or shrimp to take it up a notch. A great base recipe that you can make your own is a wonderful thing.
Use whatever ingredients your family loves. This is definitely the BEST mac and cheese recipe if you ask me!
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Cook the pasta al dente. It will continue to cook after it is drained and again when it’s mixed with the sauce.
- Evaporated milk makes this one pot mac and cheese super creamy. You can use regular diary milk (2%), but it won’t be as rich.
- Feel free to make this recipe with penne of fusilli if you don’t have macaroni noodles to hand.
Comfort food is best when it only takes 15 minutes to make. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy this simple recipe for macaroni and cheese!
15 Minute Recipe for Macaroni and Cheese
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Ingredients
- 8 oz. macaroni noodles
- 3/4 cup 6 oz. evaporated milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp smooth dijon mustard
- 1/8 t nutmeg
- 1 t dried basil
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 4 T butter
- 2 cups shredded cheese we used 1 1/2 cup mexican blend as well as 1/2 cup bellavitano sartori chai tea cheese. from hyvee. you could use any sartori cheese or gruyere to give it an extra kick. if you can’t find those, any shredded cheese will work. use the kind you like best
- 1/2 cup velveeta cubed (OPTIONAL)
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to package directions to al dente.
- While you’re cooking the noodles, combine everything except the butter in a medium sized bowl and set aside.
- Melt the butter in a microwave safe bowl and set aside.
- Once noodles are done, drain and return to the pot (turn off heat) add butter and stir to coat the noodles.
- Add the egg mixture to noodles and turn the heat to low. Cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes, until mixture thickens and cheese is melted. Add in the velveeta (optional) if using.
- Serve immediately. (it will thicken and dry out if you wait too long)
- enjoy!
Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!
Becky’s tips
- Cook the pasta al dente. It will continue to cook after it is drained and again when it’s mixed with the sauce.
- Evaporated milk makes this one pot mac and cheese super creamy. You can use regular diary milk (2%), but it won’t be as rich.
- Feel free to make this recipe with penne of fusilli if you don’t have macaroni noodles to hand.
Nutrition Information
More Mac and Cheese Recipes
- King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Baked Mexican Mac and Cheese
- Lobster Mac and Cheese recipe
- Pesto Mac and Cheese
- Pumpkin Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Skillet
- Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
- Panera Mac and Cheese
- Super Easy Mac and Cheese
- BEST Baked Mac and Cheese
- Loaded Chili Macaroni and Cheese
My family loved it! Even my picky 7yr old said it was great.
That’s always a plus!! I’m glad everyone enjoyed it!
I’m so sorry you didn’t enjoy this one!
Hi! If I don’t have dried basil what can I use in its place?
I’m pretty sure fresh basil works just fine too, or any herb of your choice, like dried thyme, or parsley, or oregano.
This is very easy to cook and less time-consuming. When I am in hurry I always prefer this dish. Thanks for sharing.
Hope you love it!
I am keen to try this recipe, but was wondering how many servings it made? thanks :)
Hey Sera, it makes 4-6 servings. Thanks so much for stopping by!!
Does the egg curdle or cook stringy when you add the mix to the hot pasta? I am quite keen to try this as I like using proper ingredients instead of ” can of cream of this soup or “envelope of that dressing” etc. :-)
no it was very smooth and creamy for us. I hope you give it a try! let me know how you like it!! thanks so much for stopping by :)
Thanks for the kind words – I’m glad you like the recipe and your changes look delicious. Happy new year!
I have always made a mac and cheese recipe similar to this. I use New York white cheddar, sharp cheddar, a small amount of Velveeta for creaminess and Gruyere. I also use heavy cream. I will definitely use your recipe for now on because it is quicker and cheaper. I just can’t justify spending $35 on cheese when it’s just for Cash and I. :)
Yours sounds good too! And yeah I hear you on saving money. Eating for one or two is so expensive and our leftovers always seem to go to waste. The cheaper the better. Cash is so cute :)
I am sure cash appreciates the $35 mac and cheese :)