Microwave mac and cheese is ready in just 10 minutes! It's super simple to make entirely in the microwave, and it results in tender macaroni noodles, and a rich and creamy cheese sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, when you don't have a full kitchen, or when you're in a pinch.
If you're looking for a quick, easy, and affordable dish to make, mac and cheese in the microwave is a great option.
Although I have the usual kitchen gadgets of a stove, oven, Instant Pot, air fryer, etc... I've recently fallen back in love with my microwave!
It's just so convenient and ready in just 10 minutes.
Microwave Mac and Cheese is really simple to make, and the results are super creamy with tender pasta noodles.
You can even jazz it up with some add-ins, like shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, spinach, or peas. You can also change the flavor by changing the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, parmesan, or Swiss.
If you love pasta recipes, you'll also love Greek Pasta Salad, Chicken and Leek Pasta, and Spinach and Artichoke Pasta.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons why you should make mac and cheese in the microwave. Here are a few:
- Quick - You can have a delicious bowl of mac and cheese in just 10 minutes.
- Versatile - You can add different ingredients to your mac and cheese, such as vegetables, meat, or seafood. We love adding leftover shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Affordable - Mac and cheese is a relatively inexpensive dish to make.
- Kid-friendly - Most kids love mac and cheese, and it's a great way to get them to eat their vegetables if you add in a handful of peas!
- Simple - You can make the whole dish right in your microwave.
- Comfort - Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that can warm you up on a cold day.
- Budget - Microwave cooking can be cheaper than electric or natural gas on the stovetop.
If you're looking for a quick, easy, and affordable dish to make, mac and cheese in the microwave is a great option. With so many different ways to make it, you're sure to find a recipe that your family will love.
Ingredients
You only need simple pantry ingredients for this recipe!
- Macaroni - If you use another shape besides elbow macaroni, you may need to cook it for longer.
- Milk - I use whole milk, but you can use any milk, such as 2%.
- Cheese - I use shredded cheddar, but you can use mozzarella, Swiss etc, or a mix of cheeses).
- Cream Cheese - To make it extra creamy, I like to add cream cheese. For a different flavor, try adding garlic and herb cream cheese.
- Butter - Also adds a rich creaminess to the cheese sauce.
- Salt and Pepper - to season the microwave mac and cheese.
See the recipe card for quantities and method.
How to make Microwave Mac and Cheese
Follow these step-by-step instructions, then scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.
Add the macaroni and water to a large microwavable bowl and stir well. Microwave for 4-5 minutes or until the pasta is al dente (still slightly undercooked). Stir it well halfway.
Drain away any remaining water.
Stir the milk, shredded cheese, cream cheese, butter salt, and pepper into the pasta, in the microwaveable bowl. Return the mac and cheese to the microwave and microwave for 2 minutes.
Stir and serve!
Scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.
Mac and Cheese Add-ins
You can take your microwave mac and cheese to the next level with a few add-ins.
- Flavored Cheese: Garlic and Herb Cream Cheese or Boursin.
- Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, peas, spinach, and mushrooms are all popular options.
- Meat: Ham, bacon, sausage, and chicken are all delicious additions.
- Seafood: Shrimp, crab, canned tuna, and lobster are all great options.
- Flavors: Garlic, onion, and herbs can add a pop of flavor to your mac and cheese. You can add the garlic and onion as powder.
- Textures: Crumbled bacon, bread crumbs, and tortilla chips can add a crunchy texture to your mac and cheese.
Experiment with different add-ins to find your favorite combination. There are no rules when it comes to making mac and cheese, so have fun and be creative!
More Microwave Recipes
Microwave cooking is so convenient. If you're in a dorm room, don't have access to a full kitchen, or just want a low fuss, low energy cooking, then fall back in love with your microwave! Try these tasty recipes:
- Microwave Cheese Sauce
- Microwave Cheese Sauce
- How to Microwave Brussels Sprouts
- Microwave Green Bean Casserole
- Easy Microwave Baked Potato
- Microwave Acorn Squash
- And for dessert, try Microwave S'mores
- Be sure to check out this list of 25 Mind-Blowing Microwave Recipes
Recipe Tips
- If you're using a different type of pasta, you may need to cook it for longer. Check out this informative article about How to Microwave Pasta.
- Choose the right bowl: Use a microwave-safe bowl that is large enough to hold the macaroni and the liquid. Avoid using metal or plastic containers that are not microwave-safe.
- Use the right amount of liquid: Be sure to add enough liquid to the bowl to cover the macaroni well. This will help to ensure that the macaroni cooks evenly and doesn't dry out.
- Stir frequently: Stir the macaroni and cheese frequently while it's cooking in the microwave to ensure that it cooks evenly and doesn't stick together.
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📖 Recipe
Microwave Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- Microwave
- Microwaveable bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni pasta
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded, or a mix of cheeses
- 1 cup milk I use whole milk
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper
Instructions
- Add the macaroni and water to a large microwavable bowl and stir well.
- Microwave for 4-5 minutes or until the pasta is al dente (still slightly undercooked). Stir it well halfway.
- Drain away any remaining water.
- Stir the milk, shredded cheese, cream cheese, butter, salt, and pepper into the pasta. Return the mac and cheese to the microwave and microwave for 2 minutes.
- Stir and serve!
Notes
- If you're using a different type of pasta, you may need to cook it for longer. Check out this informative article about How to Microwave Pasta.
- Choose the right bowl: Use a microwave-safe bowl that is large enough to hold the macaroni and the liquid. Avoid using metal or plastic containers that are not microwave-safe.
- Use the right amount of liquid: Be sure to add enough liquid to the bowl to cover the macaroni well. This will help to ensure that the macaroni cooks evenly and doesn't dry out.
- Stir frequently: Stir the macaroni and cheese frequently while it's cooking in the microwave to ensure that it cooks evenly and doesn't stick together.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Charla says
I'm sold by the fact that the recipe only takes 10 minutes. I love mac and cheese, I usually bake mine but it can be tedious. Microwave mac is the way forward. Thank you!
Dana says
Honestly WHO can't use this in their life!? Not only is it one of those make-life-easier recipes, but it turns out beautifully, too!
rebecca says
omg garlic herb cream cheese?!!! what a great idea. yum. love how easy this meal is.
Dan says
My new favourite way to make mac and cheese. It was so easy!
Gloria says
A great way for non cooks to enjoy delicious comfort food with little effort. I sent this to my daughter at university and she said it worked great!