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5 from 2 votes
Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
 

Stovetop Mac and Cheese has just a few simple ingredients to make the cheesiest, creamiest mac and cheese without using a roux!

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cheesy, Easy, Kid Friendly Meals, Mac and Cheese, Macaroni, Recipe, Stovetop Mac and Cheese, Thanksgiving
Servings: 8
Calories: 699 kcal
Author: Cheri Renee
Ingredients
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1 quart heavy cream
  • kosher salt, pepper
  • 12 oz block Colby jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
  1. Boil the elbow macaroni in a large pot in salted water according to package directions. Save a half cup of the starchy pasta water and set aside. Pour the macaroni into a pasta strainer and rinse very well with cold water so it doesn't become mushy.

  2. Set the same large pot over high heat and add the quart of heavy cream, kosher salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, watching carefully as it will bubble up (if bubbles too much remove from heat for a moment).

  3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium low and cook 30 minutes, stirring several times and scraping the sides a few times.

  4. Use a box grater to shred the cheese. Once the cream has cooked for 30 minutes it should be reduced by half. Add the cooked pasta, shredded Colby jack cheese and parmesan cheese, stir until melted.

  5. Add 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water and stir until combined. Taste for seasoning and add more kosher salt and pepper as needed. Add more of the reserved pasta water if you prefer a creamier mac and cheese.