One Pot Macaroni with Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate classic.  Popular with both children and adults alike, it is one thing that is hard to mess up!  High end restaurants (Flemmings, Jaspers, Brenner's of Houston)  have put their unique twists on this delicious dish, but the principal is the same: macaroni pasta with delicious creamy cheese.

This is a healthier version of mac and cheese.  The mac is not swimming in cheese, rather it has a subtle flavor.  If you want a lot of flavor, without all the calories this is a great option.  But the BEST part about this, is it only takes one pot to make the whole recipe.  No mixing, melting, draining, etc.  Much less messy!

You'll Need:

16 oz (2 cups) of Macaroni, uncooked
2 cups low fat Milk (plus a bit more for cooking)
1 tablespoon butter (optional)
1/2 teaspoon Mustard Powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 dash of nutmeg
1 dash of black coarse pepper
1 dash of cajun seasoning (optional)
1 1/4 cup of grated cheese (I used cheddar)... feel free to mix cheese too!
Optional toppings (for extra flavoring, but not as healthy: bread crumbs, bacon bits, be creative!)

Step-by-step:
1. Place macaroni in large pot and quickly rinse under water, using your hand remove excess water
2. In the pan with the macaroni, add milk, salt, butter, mustard powder, nutmeg and pepper
3. On medium heat, SLOWLY bring milk/macaroni mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently. If you don't stir enough it will turn into a giant glob!

4. Once the mixture begins to simmer (not boil!) turn down the heat to low.  Macaroni will slowly cook in the milk.  Continue to stir often so the macaroni will cook evenly and absorb the milk.

5. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until milk has been fully absorbed.  If the macaroni is not fully cooked (mine was not), add additional milk in small amounts until the macaroni is fully cooked.  This takes an additional 3-5 minutes.

6. When milk is evaporated, stir in cheese of your choice.  Turn off heat and place lid on pan for 5 minutes.
7. Serve immediately!

NOTE: this makes a lot, so feel free to cut this recipe in half!

For another domesticated remix on Mac N Cheese, click here for MacNCheeseBites!

Source: White on Rice