With all of the easy toddler pasta recipes on my site, I knew I was missing the master, basic, yet most delicious one pot mac and cheese option. It’s a simplified version of my One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese and is so darn fast and yummy! This is my favorite easy mac and cheese recipe since it takes the same amount of time to make as boxed mac and cheese, yet I can make it from basic pantry staples. And I can customize the flavor and creaminess to make it just right for me and the kids. It has less added sodium than store bought boxed mac and cheese and reheats so well. You can serve it plain like I am showing here, or you can easily add veggies, protein, and more fiber. It’s so versatile as an easy toddler meal! (You might like a few other favorite mac and cheese recipes including Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese, Cheeseburger Pasta, and Cauliflower Mac and Cheese.)
Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to have on hand to make One-Pot Mac and Cheese so you know what to pick up from the store or have ready. Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.
Chicken or vegetable broth: The pasta cooks in broth to ensure it has an undertone of flavor. You can use either reduced sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth, as you prefer. Elbow or mini shell pasta: I prefer to make mac and cheese with either elbow pasta or small shells because that’s what my kids expect and also because those small shapes cook quickly and evenly in the broth. Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese works here to add the cheesy, creamy flavor and texture. You can use shredded cheese from the store or shred it on a box grater. It often blends without any graininess at all if you shred the cheese yourself, though I have had good results with bags of shredded cheese, too. (It can vary a little by brand.) Milk (or heavy cream): Adding a small amount of milk or cream at the end of the pasta cooking time helps ensure that the easy mac and cheese has the texture we want. Butter: I add unsalted butter to the pasta and cheese mixture for extra creaminess. Cream cheese (optional): Adding a small amount of cream cheese is optional to add even more creaminess. Onion powder, black pepper, salt (optional): You can add spices or herbs for more flavor in the mac and cheese if you’d like. (We usually have it plain and it’s so yummy!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a preview of how to make this One-Pot Mac and Cheese so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of this post for the full information, including the amounts and the timing.
How to Store
Store leftover One Pot Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Warm for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through, in the microwave.
Best Tips for Success
The size of the pasta you use may alter the cooking time slightly. This recipe was tested with small shell pasta, so any kind that’s a similar size should work the same. I don’t often call for using only a half-pound of pasta, but this is very filling, so I went with a smaller amount here to avoid a ton of leftovers. If you want to use a full pound, click the “2x” in the recipe card to adjust it up. Add the optional spices to add more flavor as desired. Adults may also like to top their serving with crushed red pepper or hot sauce. Add a splash of milk when you reheat this to easily return it to the original super creamy state. Add peas to the dish to add protein and a veggie, if desired.
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please rate and comment below!
One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese (5-Ingredients)
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Easy Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese
