Skillet Mac and Cheese

Skillet Mac and Cheese delivers creamy, cheesy comfort using just one pan and simple pantry ingredients.

Cooking the pasta directly in a blend of water and evaporated milk creates a rich, velvety base, while cheddar and Monterey Jack melt in smoothly for classic flavor without the need for an oven. We just love Pasta Recipes in our home!

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Perfect for busy weeknights or anytime a quick comfort meal sounds good, this recipe keeps cleanup minimal while still serving up that nostalgic mac and cheese everyone loves.

Why You’ll Love This Skillet Mac and Cheese

This skillet mac and cheese delivers ultra-creamy, cheesy comfort with a one-pan method that’s fast, cozy and incredibly satisfying.

• One-pan simplicity: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means less cleanup and faster prep.
• Extra-creamy texture: Evaporated milk, butter and two cheeses create a smooth, rich sauce that coats every shell.
• Quick weeknight win: The pasta cooks right in the sauce, so dinner comes together in about 15 minutes.
• Classic, customizable flavor: Cheddar and Monterey Jack offer familiar comfort that pairs well with simple add-ins or stands perfectly on its own.

This skillet mac and cheese is an easy, comforting staple that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Recipe adapted from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe.

What To Serve With Skillet Mac and Cheese

This creamy, stovetop mac and cheese pairs best with fresh, savory sides that balance its rich, cheesy flavor:

• Simple green salad: Crisp greens with a light vinaigrette cut through the richness and add freshness.
• Roasted or steamed vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus provide color, texture, and balance.
• Grilled or baked chicken: A mild, savory protein turns the dish into a more filling meal.
• Tomato soup or roasted tomatoes: Bright acidity complements the creamy cheese sauce.
• Iced tea or sparkling water: Clean, refreshing drinks help keep the meal from feeling too heavy.

These pairings keep skillet mac and cheese comforting yet balanced, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual family meals.

Skillet Mac and Cheese

This Skillet Mac and Cheese delivers ultra-creamy, cheesy comfort in one pan, using evaporated milk and melted cheeses for a rich, stovetop version that’s quick, cozy, and satisfying.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

For Skillet Mac and Cheese, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• Large nonstick skillet: to cook the pasta and create the cheese sauce in one pan
• Measuring cups: to measure water, evaporated milk, and shredded cheese
• Measuring spoons: to measure cornstarch, dry mustard, butter, and seasonings
• Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula: to stir the pasta and cheese sauce while cooking
• Small mixing bowl: to whisk together evaporated milk, cornstarch, and dry mustard
• Whisk: to blend the cornstarch mixture smoothly
• Colander (optional): in case excess liquid needs to be drained
• Oven mitts: to safely handle the hot skillet

These tools make it easy to create a creamy, cheesy skillet mac and cheese with minimal cleanup and maximum comfort.

Recipe Ingredients

These ingredients come together to make a creamy, stovetop skillet mac and cheese with rich, melty cheeses and comforting flavor.

• water
• evaporated milk
• pasta shells
• salt
• cornstarch
• dry mustard
• cheddar cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese
• butter
• ground black pepper

How to Make Skillet Mac and Cheese

In a nonstick skillet over high heat, bring water, 1 cup evaporated milk, and pasta shells to a simmer. Season with salt to taste and cook, stirring often, until the pasta is tender and the liquid thickens, about 9–12 minutes.

Whisk the remaining evaporated milk with cornstarch and dry mustard in a small bowl, then stir into the skillet and simmer about 1 minute until slightly thickened.

Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses in batches, adding a little water as needed to adjust consistency. Finish by stirring in butter and season with salt and pepper to taste.

More Mac and Cheese Recipes

Explore more mac and cheese recipes that bring creamy, cheesy comfort to your table.

• Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
• Hamburger Mac and Cheese
• Yummy Gooey Homemade Mac and Cheese
• Vegan Mac and Cheese
• Creamy One-Pot Chili Mac
• Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
• Pecan Mac and Cheese Bake
• Mac And Cheese Soup
• Macaroni Tex Mex Casserole

Get more inspiration with Baked Mac and Cheese Recipes and Creative Mac and Cheese Recipes!

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