5-Ingredient Mac and Cheese Recipe
Quick Answer
Boil 1 lb elbow pasta. Drain, return to pot. Add 3 tbsp butter, stir until melted. Pour in 1 cup warm milk, stir. Add 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar in handfuls, stirring between each until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
By RecipesQueen Kitchen • June 14, 2026
Just 5 ingredients for the creamiest mac and cheese. Pasta, butter, milk, cheese, and salt — nothing else.
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 cups whole milk
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- 1
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 2
In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
- 3
Add cooked pasta back to the pot. Stir to combine.
- 4
Remove from heat. Add cheese in handfuls, stirring after each addition until melted.
- 5
Season with salt. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Frequently Asked Questions
What 5 ingredients do I need?
Elbow pasta, butter, whole milk (or evaporated milk for extra creaminess), sharp cheddar cheese, and seasoning (salt, pepper, optional pinch of nutmeg or mustard powder). That's it — 15 minutes, one pot.
Can I add extra ingredients?
Of course — this base recipe is a perfect canvas. Try adding bacon, broccoli, jalapeños, breadcrumb topping, or truffle oil. For a protein boost, stir in shredded rotisserie chicken.
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to review this recipe!
You Might Also Like
Popular Recipes
More Dinner Recipes
Featured In
Pantry Staple Recipes: 15 Meals from What You Already Have
No grocery run needed. These 15 recipes use common pantry staples — pasta, rice, canned goods, eggs, and basic seasonings.
Beginner Cook's Starter Kit: 10 Recipes That Build Real Skills
Never cooked before? Start here. These 10 recipes teach fundamental techniques while making delicious food you'll actually want to eat.