Sometime you just need a big comforting bowl of Mac and Cheese. This recipe is so easy and only takes 30 minutes! Now this cheesy goodness is not what I would consider a healthy meal, but sometimes you just need a bowl of comfort! I try to eat a big salad or some veggies with it so I don't feel as guilty splurging.
How to make Easy Mac and Cheese:
- In a large skillet heat up the garlic powder, pepper, salt, milk, and heavy cream over medium heat until it comes to a simmer.
- Turn down the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, montery jack, and swiss cheese.
- Toss the hot cooked pasta shells into the cheese sauce and serve!
Want to make it a meal? Here are some additional ingredients you could add:
- Frozen peas and cooked ham or chicken
- Cook chicken and broccoli (buy a Rotisserie chicken to keep it really easy)
- Fresh spinach and sauteed mushrooms
- If you added canned tuna it would be like a tuna noodle casserole
You could also swap out the cheese for others and make your own unique combination. The options are endless!
What could you serve with Mac and Cheese?
I love serving this cheesy pasta with Pan Fried Chicken Cutlets, Baked Pork Chops, or a when we are hosting a barbecue. Most of the time I eat mine with a big bowl of roasted vegetables like brussels sprouts or broccoli.
If you love this recipe, I would love to know! You can rate this recipe and leave a comment below. If you take a picture tag me on Instagram @hungrywaitress! Here?s the recipe:
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30 Minute Skillet Mac and Cheese
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
30 Minute Skillet Mac and Cheese is a fast side dish recipe or dinner recipe. This cheesy macaroni comes together in a flash, and it tastes better than the box. I love it! It's one of my favorite comfort food recipes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (1 box) medium shell pasta, cooked
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup swiss cheese, shredded or sliced
Instructions
- In a large skillet heat up the garlic powder, pepper, salt, milk, and heavy cream over medium heat until it comes to a simmer.
- Turn down the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, montery jack, and swiss cheese.
- Toss the hot cooked pasta shells into the cheese sauce and serve!
Notes
If the sauce is too thick, splash in some extra milk.
Looking for more pasta dishes? Check these recipes out:
Easy Gnocchi with Roasted Vegetables
Vegan Sundried Tomato Pesto Zucchini and Mushroom Pasta
Karly
Must have all the cheeeeese! This is like bliss in a skillet. I might just have to whip up a batch for a late night snack... don't tell the hubby! 😉
thehungrywaitress
Yes! I eat cheese in secret too (mostly so I don't have to share). Haha!
Wendy
Great recipe! Confess....I threw in chicken & broccoli ....but no matter, the family loved this macaroni recipe and they are self proclaimed macaroni snobs. Good Job!
★★★★★
thehungrywaitress
Thank you Wendy! I am a macaroni and cheese snob too, but I love this combination. I am going to have to try it with chicken and broccoli! That sounds delicious.
Sueann Biffle
As a Newbie, I am always exploring online for articles that can aid me. Thank you
thehungrywaitress
Thank you Sueann!
Robin Mcgown
I have recently started a blog, and the info you offer on this website has helped me greatly. Thanx for all of your time & work.
thehungrywaitress
Thank you Robin!
Maria Coppinger-Peters
Does this reheat well, or does the sauce break? Thx!
thehungrywaitress
Sorry for the delayed reply! The sauce will break if you microwave it. I would reheat it on the stove and add some cream or milk to it.