Are you hungry, short on time, and dreaming of a creamy, cheesy comfort meal that doesn't require complicated cooking skills? Get ready to revolutionize your mac and cheese experience with this lightning-fast microwave recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering dish in just 10 minutes! No stovetop, no endless pot watching, and absolutely no culinary expertise required – just pure, cheesy deliciousness at the touch of a button.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup macaroni
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Place macaroni and water in a large microwave-safe bowl, ensuring the bowl is at least 4 times the volume of the ingredients to prevent boiling over.
- Microwave the macaroni and water on high power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking. Check that pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Carefully remove the bowl using oven mitts, as it will be hot. Drain any excess water if necessary.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese, milk, and a pinch of salt directly into the hot pasta. Stir thoroughly to help cheese melt and create a creamy sauce.
- Return the bowl to the microwave and heat for an additional 30-45 seconds on medium power to fully melt the cheese and blend the ingredients.
- Remove from microwave and let stand for 1 minute to allow sauce to thicken and cool slightly.
- Stir once more to ensure cheese is completely melted and evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed before serving hot.
Tips
- Bowl Selection Matters: Always use a microwave-safe bowl at least 4 times larger than your ingredients to prevent messy boil-overs.
- Stir Strategically: Halfway through cooking, stir the pasta to ensure even heat distribution and prevent sticking.
- Cheese Melting Hack: Let the hot pasta help melt the cheese naturally before the final microwave blast for smoother, creamier results.
- Power Level is Key: Use medium power for the final cheese-melting stage to prevent scorching or uneven melting.
- Resting Time Matters: Allow the mac and cheese to sit for a minute after cooking – this helps the sauce thicken and develop a more luxurious texture.
- Customize Your Cheese: Experiment with different cheese blends like adding a bit of parmesan or pepper jack for extra flavor complexity.
- Watch Carefully: Microwave times can vary, so keep a close eye on your dish to prevent overcooking or drying out.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
