Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese PT30M https://img3.recipesrun.com/201907/2019/1101/90/5/073251/300x200x90.jpg One tip I unknowingly stumbled into was using the starchy pasta water to thin out the sauce instead of using milk. I know. Your reaction to this information is similar to his. But I started researching it and apparently it is a thing–it helps give homemade mac and cheese that silky, smooth, luxurious texture while milk sometimes makes it gritty and unpredictable. Don’t run. 6 servings Ingredients: 2 tbsp. butter 4 oz. cream cheese Up to 1 cup reserved pasta water salt and pepper to taste 1/2 tsp. grated onion 1 oz. Parmesan cheese, freshly grated 2 oz. fontina cheese, freshly grated 6 oz. medium or sharp cheddar, freshly grated 12 oz. bite-sized pasta (I like Cavatappi, but elbows will work)
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Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

One tip I unknowingly stumbled into was using the starchy pasta water to thin out the sauce instead of using milk. I know. Your reaction to this information is similar to his. But I started researching it and apparently it is a thing–it helps give homemade mac and cheese that silky, smooth, luxurious texture while milk sometimes makes it gritty and unpredictable. Don’t run.
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Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese
    01 Information
    • Grade easy
    • Serving 6 servings
    • Prep Time 10 Mins
    • Cook Time 20 Mins
    • Total Time 30 Mins
    02 Ingredients
      • 2 tbsp. butter
      • 4 oz. cream cheese
      • Up to 1 cup reserved pasta water
      • salt and pepper to taste
      • 1/2 tsp. grated onion
      • 1 oz. Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
      • 2 oz. fontina cheese, freshly grated
      • 6 oz. medium or sharp cheddar, freshly grated
      • 12 oz. bite-sized pasta (I like Cavatappi, but elbows will work)
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    03 Method
    • Step 1
      Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. When it’s boiling, add the pasta and cook al dente. When it’s almost done cooking, carefully ladle 1 cup of the pasta water into a heat-safe bowl, mug, or measuring cup and set aside.
    • Step 2
      Drain the cooked pasta, return pan to stove, and turn heat to low. Place the butter in the pan and melt. Add the onion and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add the pasta and stir to coat the pasta with the butter. Add the cheeses (including the cream cheese) and stir until the cheese is melted. Add the pasta water, a little at a time, until a desired consistency is reached (you may not use all the pasta water). Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately (with additional shredded cheese on top if desired.) Serve as a main dish with a big green salad on the side or as a side dish (alongside rotisserie chicken makes a quick weeknight meal!)
    04 Author
    Ellie Ellie
    1078 Recipes
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