One-bowl Microwave Mac & Cheese

By GratefulSea

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup macaroni or shell pasta
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup milk, any percent
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup shredded cheese, like cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or provolone
• Extra add-ins: diced vegetables, shredded or cubed cooked meat, cubed tofu, salsa, dried mustard, chili powder

Details

Servings 1
Adapted from thekitchn.com

Preparation

Step 1

Combine the pasta, water, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl.

Microwave the pasta for 2 minutes: Microwave on high power for 2 minutes, then stir. Watch to see if the water is foaming over the side of the bowl and stir sooner if needed. Use oven mitts or a kitchen towel if you need to move the bowl out of the microwave to do this.

Continue microwaving in 2-minute intervals until the pasta is cooked. Stir between each interval and continue microwaving until the pasta is soft and cooked through. This should take 4 to 8 minutes total, depending on your microwave strength. If the pasta absorbs all the water before the pasta is cooked, add another 2 tablespoons of water.

Stir the milk and cheese into the pasta. Use oven mitts or a kitchen towel to remove the bowl from the microwave. Stir in the milk, cheese, and any extra add-ins.

Microwave in 30-second intervals to melt the cheese: Microwave on high power for 30 seconds, and stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the cheese has melted and forms a creamy sauce. This should take 1 to 1 1/2 minutes total. For a creamier sauce, add an extra tablespoon or two of milk and cheese.

Eat immediately: This mac and cheese is best when piping hot from the microwave. If you need to reheat it, add an extra splash of milk.




Per serving, based on 1 servings. (% daily value)
Calories
404
Fat
17.1 g (26.3%)
Saturated
9.5 g (47.5%)
Trans
0.5 g
Carbs
42.7 g (14.2%)
Fiber
1.7 g (6.7%)
Sugars
4.6 g
Protein
19 g (37.9%)
Cholesterol
49.3 mg (16.4%)
Sodium
888.4 mg (37%)