Easy Macaroni and Cheese for Two with Just 5 Ingredients
Macaroni and cheese for two is simple, satisfying and made with just five ingredients, it’s the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. The creamy cheese sauce coats the macaroni for a comforting bowl of mac and cheese.
You have to admit mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, but it’s usually made in larger portions. This recipe is simple and captures the rich and creamy essence without a lot of ingredients. It’s quick to make and perfect for a side dish or entree on a busy night.
Why you will love this recipe
- Quick and Easy – Made with just five simple ingredients, this mac and cheese is ready in no time.
- Perfectly Portioned – If you are cooking for two on a regular basis, leftovers can be overwhelming. This recipe is the perfect amount of mac and cheese for two.
- Customizable – This basic recipe is customizable, add meat, veggies, change up the cheese; the possibilities are endless.
Here’s what you will need
This is a brief summary of the ingredients needed to make this recipe and a convenient shopping list from my Instacart affiliate link. For a printable recipe card with exact measurements and detailed instructions, scroll down to the recipe card section.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni or pasta such as shells, fusili, cavatappi
- Cheddar cheese
- Butter
- Milk
- All purpose flour
How to make creamy mac and cheese for two
Prepare: Cook the Pasta according to the instructions on the package.
STEP 1: While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat; add flour.
STEP 2: Reduce to low heat and use a whisk or spoon to combine the butter and flour until it forms a paste (roux).
STEP 3: Gradually whisk or stir in the milk; continue to stir until the sauce thickens.
STEP 4: Add the shredded cheese and continue to stir until the cheese has melted.
STEP 5: Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked pasta.
STEP 6: Add the spices remaining cheese and stir until it has melted.
Serving suggestions
Serve mac and cheese as an entree with a salad like this simple crunchy romaine salad, tomato cucumber salad or apple walnut salad. It’s also a great addition as a side dish to any meal such a grilled chicken, pulled pork or meat loaf.
How to store leftovers
Cool the mac and cheese completely before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to five days. Reheat leftovers on top of the stove over medium heat, in the oven in a covered baking dish to retain moisture or in the microwave. If leftover mac and cheese seems dry, add a splash of milk for moisture.
How to make mac and cheese for two ahead of time
Mac and cheese is a great alternative for making ahead of time. You can prepare the entire recipe and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two. When it’s time to serve, heat the mac and cheese in a saucepan on top of the stove until it is heated through.
You can also make the cheese sauce ahead of time and store it for a few days in the fridge. When it’s time to serve heat the cheese sauce on top of the stove while the pasta is cooking.
How to make mac and cheese in the oven
If you prefer baked mac and cheese, pour the macaroni mixed with cheese sauce into a casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheese and bake for 10 to 15 minutes.
Recipe variations
Mac and cheese is a blank slate, with plenty of room to experiment with the ingredients from adding vegetables, meat or changing up the cheese. Here are some suggestions.
Vegetables – Add any combination of cooked veggies such as broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, bell peppers, tomatoes, and zucchini to boost the nutrition of your mac and cheese. This is also a good way to use up leftover veggies.
Meat – Boost the flavor and protein by adding cooked meat such as bacon, grilled chicken, cooked ham or sausage.
Cheese – Change the taste and texture by using different cheeses. Any combination of parmesan cheese, pecorino romano, blue cheese, monterey jack, swiss, or gruyere,
Spicy – Toss in some jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to add a kick to your match and cheese.
Mexican – Add taco seasoning or salsa with olives or jalapenos and pepper jack cheese for a Mexican twist.
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Cooking for Two Tips
Make cooking for two easy with these tips and tricks.
Tips
- To avoid soggy mac and cheese, drain the pasta when al dente.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the way the cheese melts.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can freeze macaroni and cheese if needed. Once it has been cooked, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To enjoy it later, thaw it overnight in the fridge then reahet in the oven in a covered oven-proof dish until it is heated through.
Absolutely! You can make this recipe gluten-free by swapping out traditional pasta for a gluten-free pasta such as chickpea pasta, quinoa pasta or brown rice pasta. You will also need to replace the flour with gluten-free flour, corn starch or tapioca or arrowroot powder.
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Macaroni and Cheese for Two
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 ounces uncooked elbow pasta Fusilli, Shells or Cavatapi will work too
- 1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese Divided
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon flour All purpose
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, combine the flour into the butter to form a paste.
- Reduce the heat to low heat, and gradually whisk in the milk; stirring as you go. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens.
- Once the sauce is thick, stir in on cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Once the cheese has melted in the sauce, combine it with the elbow pasta. Stir in the remaining quarter cup of cheese.
Notes
- To avoid soggy mac and cheese, drain the pasta when al dente.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the way the cheese melts.
