Skillet Mac and Cheese

Total Time Prep/Total Time: 25 min.

Yield 4 servings

This skillet mac and cheese takes a few more minutes than the boxed stuff, but we promise the final result is worth it. A thick and creamy cheese sauce is stirred together with perfectly cooked pasta, then topped with whatever you like.

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked pasta (about 8 ounces), such as elbow macaroni, cavatappi or shells
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups half-and-half cream
3/4 pound process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
Optional toppings: Fresh arugula, halved cherry tomatoes and coarsely ground pepper

Directions

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
Meanwhile, in a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually whisk in cream. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat; stir in cheese until melted.
Add macaroni; cook and stir until heated through. Top as desired.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/2 cups: 600 calories, 37g fat (23g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 1185mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.

This creamy mac and cheese is so simple it’s almost too easy! Kids really go for the rich cheese flavor, but I’ve never met an adult who didn’t love it just as much. —Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas

Recipe Creator