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3-Ingredient One-Pot Mac and Cheese

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Blue plate special Easy, Quick, Budget-Friendly recipes
  • Prep 20 min
  • Total 20 min
  • Ingredients 3
  • Servings 6
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Busy weeknights are no match for this creamy, dreamy one-pot macaroni and cheese meal. Three ingredients are all you need for a surprisingly easy twist on the classic mac dish your family loves. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a cozy one-pot mac and cheese that will have your kids asking for seconds.
Updated Sep 28, 2020
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Ingredients

  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 1 lb uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (8 oz)

Steps

  • 1
    In 5-quart nonstick Dutch oven, heat evaporated milk, 4 cups hot water, macaroni and salt to taste to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-high; cook 6 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • 2
    Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 8 minutes, stirring frequently; do not drain.
  • 3
    Remove from heat; stir in cheese until melted.

Tips from the Pillsbury Kitchens

  • tip 1
    Though the flavor of sharp Cheddar can't be beat, 8 oz of processed American cheese makes a creamy, kid-friendly substitute.
  • tip 2
    Feel free to swap the elbow macaroni for another noodle shape, but be sure to choose a variety with plenty of little nooks and crannies to catch the delicious cheese sauce. Rotini, shells, farfalle and orecchiette are all great options.
  • tip 3
    Toss in a handful of cooked chopped bacon, fresh steamed broccoli or diced tomatoes to this dish for a flavorful twist.

Nutrition Information

540 Calories, 17g Total Fat, 25g Protein, 71g Total Carbohydrate, 7g Sugars

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories
540
Calories from Fat
150
Total Fat
17g
26%
Saturated Fat
10g
48%
Trans Fat
0g
Cholesterol
50mg
16%
Sodium
310mg
13%
Potassium
310mg
9%
Total Carbohydrate
71g
24%
Dietary Fiber
4g
15%
Sugars
7g
Protein
25g
% Daily Value*:
Vitamin A
10%
10%
Vitamin C
0%
0%
Calcium
35%
35%
Iron
15%
15%
Exchanges:
3 Starch; 0 Fruit; 1 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 1 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 0 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 0 Lean Meat; 1 High-Fat Meat; 1/2 Fat;
Carbohydrate Choice
5
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

More About This Recipe

  • Macaroni and cheese gets its name from the noodle most commonly associated with it: elbow macaroni, of course! But you can substitute other types of pasta for elbow macaroni if you so choose, as long as you keep a few things in mind. When it comes to mac and cheese, you want as much cheese sauce as you can get in every bite. That’s why you’ll want to use pasta noodles that have little nooks and crannies that can catch the cheese sauce—pasta types like rotini, shells, farfalle and orecchiette are all excellent choices! You’ll want to stay away from the skinny, smooth noodles like spaghetti and fettuccine. Once you’ve tried this basic one-pot mac and cheese made with only three ingredients, you should try all of our delicious riffs on this delicious dish! We have every macaroni and cheese recipe you could ever want, from baked mac and cheese and slow-cooker mac and cheese to Alfredo mac and cheese, and more!
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