Why Make This Recipe
Creamy and Cheesy Skillet Macaroni is a delightful dish that many people love. It combines pasta, creamy cheese, and simple ingredients to create a meal that warms your heart and fills your stomach. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or when you just want something comforting.
One of the best things about Creamy and Cheesy Skillet Macaroni is how quick and easy it is to make. In just about 30 minutes, you can create a delicious, homemade meal that tastes fantastic. The combination of creamy and cheesy flavors makes every bite enjoyable, whether you are cooking for yourself or for loved ones.
This recipe is also very flexible. You can add your favorite veggies, meats, or spices to make it your own. You can even adjust the cheese to suit your taste. If you love cheese, you can load it up. If you want to keep it lighter, you can use less cheese or add more vegetables. This makes Creamy and Cheesy Skillet Macaroni a great option for everyone, no matter what dietary preferences you have.
Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish!
How to Make Creamy and Cheesy Skillet Macaroni
Making Creamy and Cheesy Skillet Macaroni is easy and requires no special cooking skills. You can follow these steps to create a tasty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once the water is boiling, add the elbow macaroni. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until it is al dente (cooked but still firm). Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add Stock and Milk: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and milk, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Mix in the Cheese: Once it starts to simmer, add the shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. If you want a bit of zest, add the mustard at this stage. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add more milk to reach your preferred consistency.
Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet, mixing well to coat the pasta in the cheesy sauce. Taste it and add salt and pepper as needed.
Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. If you like, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a pop of color.
How to Serve Creamy and Cheesy Skillet Macaroni
Creamy and Cheesy Skillet Macaroni tastes best when served hot. You can dish it out into bowls or onto plates, depending on how you like to serve meals.
This dish is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a complete dinner, pair it with garlic bread or a fresh loaf of bread to soak up extra cheese sauce.
If you’re serving guests, consider topping each serving with extra cheese or a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for added texture and flavor. You can also offer some chili flakes or hot sauce for those who like a little spice.
How to Store Creamy and Cheesy Skillet Macaroni
If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), you can store Creamy and Cheesy Skillet Macaroni in an airtight container. Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to the container.
You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, just reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the macaroni seems a bit dry after storing, you can add a splash of milk or a small amount of broth while reheating to bring back the creaminess.
For longer storage, you can freeze the macaroni. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you want to eat it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make Creamy and Cheesy Skillet Macaroni
Here are some helpful tips to make your Creamy and Cheesy Skillet Macaroni even better:
Choose the Right Pasta: While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you like. Bow tie pasta, shells, or even penne work well in this recipe.
Experiment with Cheese: Cheddar cheese is classic, but you can mix in other cheeses too. Try mozzarella, pepper jack, gouda, or a blend of your favorites for different flavors.
Add Vegetables: To make your dish healthier, consider adding vegetables. Peas, broccoli, or spinach can be tossed into the macaroni for added nutrition and color.
Include Protein: If you want to make it a heartier meal, add some cooked chicken, ground beef, or even bacon pieces. This can change the flavor and texture in a delightful way.
Season Wisely: Don’t forget to taste your dish as you cook. The right amount of salt and pepper can really enhance the flavors.
Variation
While the base recipe is delicious, you can easily change it to suit your taste. Here are some fun variations:
Buffalo Mac: Add buffalo sauce for a spicy kick. Top it with crumbled blue cheese for added flavor.
Bacon Mac: Mix in crispy bacon bits to bring a smoky flavor to your dish. You can add bacon while cooking, or use it as a topping.
Veggie Mac: Load up on veggies. Stir in cooked spinach, diced tomatoes, or sautéed zucchini for a fresh twist.
Spicy Mac: Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give it an extra bite.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of cheese for Creamy and Cheesy Skillet Macaroni?
Yes, you can use various types of cheese! Mozzarella, gouda, or a cheese blend can create new flavors. Just be sure to choose cheeses that melt well for the best texture.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Creamy and Cheesy Skillet Macaroni ahead of time. Just cook it, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it.
3. Is it okay to freeze Creamy and Cheesy Skillet Macaroni?
Yes, it can be frozen. Just put the cooled macaroni in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge before reheating.
With these easy steps and tips, you can create a delightful Comfort Food that will please everyone. Enjoy your cooking and the delicious meal ahead!
Creamy and Cheesy Skillet Macaroni
Ingredients
Method
- Boil water in a large pot and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent (3-4 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in vegetable or chicken broth and milk; stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese and optional mustard; stir until cheese is melted and forms a creamy sauce. Adjust thickness with milk if needed.
- Add cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet and mix to coat. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat and optionally sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.