8 oz. pasta
3 cups water
salt

  • add pasta to a large pot and add just enough water to cover
  • bring to a simmer, stirring frequently, until water has been mostly absored and pasta is al dente (use the minimum time from the package as a rough guide)

1/2 cup. cream or evaporated milk
8 oz. cheddar or other melting cheese
pepper, to taste

  • add cream and return to a simmer
  • add cheese and mix until melted and saucy, about 2 minutes longer
  • season with pepper (and other spices like garlic powder, nutmeg, and chipotle power) to taste

source: https://www.seriouseats.com/ingredient-stovetop-mac-and-cheese-recipe

4/6/25: made this for lunch, and it worked out great with meatballs and green beans.