Homemade Instant Mac and Cheese

Name: Homemade Instant Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound dried short pasta, such as macaroni, penne, or fusilli; 1 teaspoon Kosher salt; 1¼ cups whole or low-fat milk; 1 cup cheddar cheese powder; ½ cup unsalted butter; cut into pieces

A quick and creamy homemade version of instant mac and cheese using dried pasta, cheese powder, and butter. This comforting dish comes together in minutes for a satisfying meal.

6 servings

17 min

Published October 4, 2025

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Ingredients

•1 pound dried short pasta, such as macaroni, penne, or fusilli
•1 teaspoon Kosher salt
•1¼ cups whole or low-fat milk
•1 cup cheddar cheese powder
•½ cup unsalted butter
•cut into pieces

Cooking Instructions

1.
Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until just al dente. Meanwhile, whisk milk and cheese powder in a medium bowl.
10 min
2.
Drain pasta and return to pot. Heat over low. Add butter and stir until melted and evenly coated, about 2 minutes. Add milk mixture and cook, stirring, until pasta is well coated and sauce thickens, 3-5 minutes. Taste and season with salt, if needed (some cheese powders will not require additional salt). Serve immediately.
7 min