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Creamy Mac and Cheese Stovetop Recipe Without Roux

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A quick and easy stovetop mac and cheese recipe that skips the roux but delivers a smooth, creamy, and cheesy sauce using simple ingredients and gentle heat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 225 grams)
  • 2 cups whole milk (480 ml)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 8 ounces or 225 grams)
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (4 ounces or 115 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (about 28 grams), softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus some for pasta water)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or mustard powder

Instructions

  1. Bring a medium saucepan of salted water (about 4 cups or 1 liter with 1 teaspoon salt) to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook for 6-7 minutes until just shy of al dente. Drain pasta and reserve about 1/2 cup (120 ml) pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Lower heat to medium-low and add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir and let spices bloom for about 30 seconds.
  3. Slowly pour in milk while whisking. Warm milk mixture until steaming but not boiling (about 3-4 minutes), reducing heat if it starts to bubble.
  4. Gradually add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring constantly over low heat to melt cheese smoothly. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick. Sauce should be silky and creamy.
  5. Add cooked macaroni to cheese sauce and stir gently to coat noodles. Cook together on low heat for 2 more minutes to combine flavors and finish cooking pasta.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika or mustard powder. Serve hot.

Notes

Keep heat low and add cheese gradually to avoid grainy sauce. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness if needed. Stir frequently to prevent scorching. For extra creaminess, substitute half the milk with cream or add cream cheese. This recipe can be adapted for gluten-free or dairy-free diets with appropriate substitutions.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, stovetop mac and cheese, no roux mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, quick dinner, cheesy pasta

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/creamy-mac-and-cheese-stovetop-recipe-without-roux-easy-homemade-guide/