Mom's Quick Creamy Macaroni & Cheese Recipe Beats the Box (6 Ingredients, 15 Minutes) High Protein Recipes Pasta Dinner Lunch Side Dishes Vegetarian Budget Recipes

My kids love macaroni and cheese, but I was finding the convenience and box versions so full of salt and additives that I started making my own homemade mac and cheese. This quick and creamy macaroni and cheese recipe is so easy, takes just 15 minutes and does not involve baking or heating the cheeses and milk. My kids love this macaroni and cheese recipe and it takes no time at all to get dinner on the table. Win-win! Plus this is a high-protein recipe, so we get the health benefits of protein, too.

To make this vegetarian mac and cheese that tastes better than that blue box you will need elbow macaroni, cream cheese, butter, milk, sharp cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. No baking involved! Serve this creamy macaroni and cheese as a side dish with your favorite protein or as a quick lunch or vegetarian dinner with a salad.

Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 - 16 ounces (1 box) elbow macaroni
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 2 - 4 tablespoons butter
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• grated Parmesan cheese

Here's how to make it:

1. Put the cream cheese into a casserole dish so it softens while you boil the macaroni. 
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions (I cook it about 10 minutes). Rinse and drain well, then pour it into the casserole dish. 
3. Stir the cream cheese and macaroni together until well blended. 
4. Add butter, milk and shredded cheese. (Add these ingredients a little at a time so you can adjust the amounts to your preference. Feel free to use whatever cheese your family enjoys. I know freshy grated Parmesan is best, but for this mac and cheese recipe I like the kind in a shaker can.) Mix well.
5. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and a little salt and pepper. Done! Serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the microwave. 

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