Name: Easy Stove Top Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups milk; 1 cup water; 8 ounces uncooked pasta; 2 cups grated cheddar cheese; 2 ounces cream cheese; 0.5 tsp kosher salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper

From the Cook

1/4

Easy Stove Top Mac and Cheese

Flavor the Moments Verified

Flavorthemoments.com

Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Easy Stove Top Mac and Cheese

2 cups milk

1 cup water

8 ounces uncooked pasta elbow macaroni, mini shells, pipe regate are all great options

2 cups grated cheddar cheese I used mild

2 ounces cream cheesecut into 6 large cubes and softened to room temperature

½ tsp kosher saltor to taste

¼ tsp black pepperfreshly ground

Instructions

Visit Blog

Instructions

Place the milk and water in a large sauce pan and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and stir in the pasta and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened and most of it has been absorbed, about 10 minutes.

When the pasta is almost done, it will begin to release its starches and stick together more, so it will require more frequent stirring during the last few minutes. Add 1/2 cup or more water as needed if the liquid has been absorbed and the pasta is not done.

Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheese, cream cheese and pepper until smooth. Adjust the seasoning as desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

0
Review & Earn

Be the first to review this recipe and earn a 20% Bonus

Level up & unlock free Premium by reviewing recipes!

My Notes

Your kitchen notebook is waiting.

Whether it's a recipe tweak or an inspiration burst — jot it down here.

Tips & Tricks (5)

Cream Cheese Temperature Control 🧈
Cut cream cheese into small cubes and add it off heat or at very low temperature to prevent lumps and ensure silky smoothness without breaking the emulsion.
Pasta Water Starch Leverage 💧
Reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta cooking water before draining—use it to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling beautifully to every noodle for ultimate creaminess.
Cheese Quality & Freshness 🧀
Always use freshly grated cheddar from a block rather than pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting and create a grainy texture.
Undercook Your Pasta Slightly 🍝
Cook pasta 1-2 minutes shy of package directions since it will continue cooking in the hot cheese sauce, preventing mushy, overcooked noodles.
Taste & Season in Layers 🧂
Add kosher salt gradually throughout cooking rather than all at once—taste at each stage to build balanced flavor and avoid over-salting the final dish.