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Cosy Evening Home Alone? This Single-Serving Mac and Cheese Recipe Is Just What You Need! recipes

Cosy Evening Home Alone? This Single-Serving Mac and Cheese Recipe Is Just What You Need! recipes

This recipe delivers a quick, comforting, and creamy single-serving mac and cheese. It combines dried pasta with a rich blend of cream cheese, milk, and grated cheeses, seasoned simply for a satisfying solo meal. Perfect for a cozy evening, it's an easy-to-prepare dish that caters perfectly to one.
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Total Time 25 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 798.9 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Small Saucepan For cooking pasta and preparing the cheese sauce.
  • 1 Whisk or Spatula To ensure a smooth, lump-free cheese sauce.
  • 1 Colander For efficiently draining the cooked pasta.
  • 1 Measuring Cups/Spoons For accurate ingredient portions.
  • 1 Serving Bowl For enjoying your single-serving dish.

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 3 1/2 ounces dried pasta
  • 1 Tablespoon cream cheese
  • 2-3 Tablespoons milk
  • 2/3 cup grated cheese I used cheddar and mozzarella
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • optional: a pinch of smoked paprika garlic powder, etc.

Instructions
 

  • Bring a small saucepan of lightly salted water to a rolling boil.
  • Add the dried pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente.
  • While the pasta cooks, prepare your grated cheeses if not already done.
  • Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly using a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water.
  • Return the empty saucepan to low heat, add the cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of milk, stirring until melted and smooth.
  • Gradually add the grated cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the saucepan, stirring continuously until they are fully melted and incorporated into a creamy sauce.
  • Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir well to ensure all the pasta is evenly coated.
  • Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Add a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder if desired.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
  • Serve immediately in a bowl and enjoy your cozy mac and cheese.

Notes

To elevate this single-serving mac and cheese, always cook your pasta al dente; it will continue to absorb sauce and soften slightly. For a truly rich sauce, consider incorporating a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or a tiny dash of dry mustard powder, which enhances the cheese's flavor without being detectable. When melting the cheeses, keep the heat low and stir constantly to prevent scorching and ensure a velvety consistency. Adjust the milk gradually to achieve your preferred creaminess – too much milk can lead to a watery sauce. Don't be afraid to experiment with cheese blends beyond cheddar and mozzarella for a more complex profile.