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Plate of microwave mac and cheese.

Microwave Mac and Cheese

Microwave mac and cheese is ready in 10 minutes! It's simple to make entirely in the microwave, and results in tender macaroni and a creamy sauce.
5 from 7 votes
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Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: how to make macaroni and cheese in the microwave, microwave mac and cheese
Prep Time: 4 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 467kcal
Author: Kate | You Say Potatoes

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!
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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

Calories: 467kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 610mg | Potassium: 314mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 453IU | Calcium: 346mg | Iron: 1mg

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.