Name: Homemade Instant Mac and Cheese
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound dried short pasta, such as macaroni, penne, or fusilli; Kosher salt; 1 1/4 cups whole or low-fat milk; 1 cup cheddar cheese powder (see Cooks' Note); 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Image may contain Cutlery Fork Food Macaroni and Pasta

Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Rhoda Boone

What do people want from boxed mac and cheese? More cheese! This D.I.Y. version is extra cheesy but just as easy. Plus you can make it with any shape pasta you choose.

Cooks' Note

Cheddar cheese powder can be purchased at specialty food stores and online. Organic and conventional options are available.

Recipe information

Total Time
20 minutes
Yield
4-6 servings

Ingredients

1 pound dried short pasta, such as macaroni, penne, or fusilli

Kosher salt

1 1/4 cups whole or low-fat milk

1 cup cheddar cheese powder (see Cooks' Note)

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Preparation

Step 1
Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until just al dente. Meanwhile, whisk milk and cheese powder in a medium bowl.
Step 2
Drain pasta and return to pot. Heat over low. Add butter and stir until melted and evenly coated, about 2 minutes. Add milk mixture and cook, stirring, until pasta is well coated and sauce thickens, 3–5 minutes. Taste and season with salt, if needed (some cheese powders will not require additional salt). Serve immediately.

TagsMac and Cheese Pasta Fusilli Macaroni Penne American Cheese Dairy Side Dinner Nut Free Vegetarian Easy Quick Weeknight Meals 30 Minutes or Less 5 Ingredients or Fewer Simmer Epicurious

Recipe notes

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