Name: Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 (16 ounce) bag gluten free elbow macaroni; Water to boil the macaroni in; 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 teaspoons onion powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon paprika; a dash of nutmeg; ½ to 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; 1 tablespoon corn starch; 1 cup lactose free milk (or milk of choice); 2 cups chicken broth; 8 ounces freshly shredded cheddar cheese.

This stovetop mac and cheese is simple, easy, and delicious. It is kids and adults approved. Very few ingredients required, and the result is outstanding.

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Ingredients for Mac and Cheese

1 (16 ounce) bag gluten free elbow macaroni
Water to boil the macaroni in
1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon paprika
½ to 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
A dash of nutmeg

1 tablespoon corn starch
1 cup lactose free milk, or milk of choice
2 cups chicken broth
8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese.

Utensils

Large pot
Pasta strainer
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons

How to Cook Gluten Free Pasta

When you are cooking gluten free pasta for a dish that requires additional cooking after adding the pasta in, it is always best to cook it for less than recommended.

In this recipe, I recommend to cook the pasta for 5 minutes less than the package direction says. This is good for whether you are using gluten free pasta or wheat pasta.

If you are using gluten free pasta, it is always advisable to stir the pasta every couple of minutes to prevent it from sticking.

Once you are getting close to the time that you are supposed to take the pasta off the heat, keep trying a bite of pasta every 30 seconds or so to make sure it is not being over cooked.

Once the pasta is done cooking, immediately drain and rinse under cold water. This will stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from sticking to itself.

What Type of Pasta Can I Use for Mac and Cheese

The best type, of course, would be the elbow macaroni because it holds on the best to the sauce. But you can use whatever mini pasta shape you prefer as long as it has enough cavities to hold the sauce.

Something with a hole in the middle would work great, but you can also use shell pasta, farfalle, or rotelle.

What Type of Broth Can I Use

Chicken broth with minimal flavoring would be best. You do not want the broth to have overpowering flavoring that can overwhelm the flavor of the dish.

You can also use beef broth or vegetable broth if you want to keep this dish vegetarian. Pick a broth that is mild in flavor, and that is your favorite.

I cannot advise you on which vegetable broth to use because I rarely use vegetable broth in cooking. You are free to experiment and see what you like best!

Why Do I Need to Cook the Pasta in the Mac and Cheese Sauce

The additional time that it takes to cook the pasta in the mac and cheese sauce allows the pasta to absorb all the flavor from the sauce.

If you simply add the pasta to the sauce after it being fully cooked, your pasta will have a bland flavor. The sauce will also be more runny.

While the pasta is being cooked in the sauce for those five extra minutes, it will absorb more of the liquid making the sauce more creamy, and less liquid-y. The pasta will also release some of its starches into the sauce causing the sauce to thicken.

How to Make Mac and Cheese

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.

Once the water reaches a boil, add 1 tablespoon of salt and bring it back to a boil.

Add the pasta and cook it for 5 minutes less than the package directions, while stirring occasionally.

Drain and rinse the pasta with cold tap water until it’s cool.

In the same pot that you cooked the pasta in, add 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup milk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon paprika, a dash of nutmeg, freshly ground black pepper, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Stir until everything is well combined and the starch is no longer clumpy.

Cook on high heat while stirring continuously until it reaches a boil.

Remove from the heat, add the pasta, and stir well. Add the shredded cheese and stir well. Place everything back on medium heat and allow it to cook while gently, and continuously stirring for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, and enjoy!

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This stovetop mac and cheese is simple, easy, and delicious. It is a kids' friendly recipe and adults approved. Very few ingredients required, and the result is outstanding.

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gluten free elbow macaroni

smoked paprika

Large pot

Tell Us What You Think!

This mac and cheese recipe makes a wonderful side dish for steak, burgers, ham, and so many other dishes. It is great on its own, or served with some stir-fried broccoli or veggies, or a side of salad. My kids love it, and I am sure yours, and you will love it too!

Have you tried stove top mac and cheese before? It is so simple to make, and it is ready in about 30 minutes! What’s not to love about that?

Tell us what you think, and let us know if you have any comments or questions by commenting in the comment section down below.

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