Dinner for One: Stovetop Mac & Cheese
A simple, hearty, cheesy, one-pot dinner that feeds just one person!
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry pasta shells*
- 1 cup broccoli flourettes cut into bite-sized pieces (optional)
- 1/2 Tablespoon olive oil butter, or ghee
- 1/2 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon each of salt black pepper, and garlic powder
- 1/2 cup milk unsweetened almond or cow's milk works best here
- 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- 1. Fill a small pot halfway with water and bring to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions. If using broccoli, add broccoli to the boiling pasta in the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
- 2. Drain cooked pasta and broccoli, and set aside. Put the pot back on the stove over medium heat, and add oil and flour to the pot. Stir to combine the two, then add spices and milk. Increase the heat to medium-high and whisk the milk mixture constantly until bubbling.
- 3. Turn off the heat once milk mixture has come to a boil and add the drained pasta/broccoli and shredded cheese. Stir well, and let sit for 2-3 minutes to let the pasta absorb some of the sauce. Taste and add an extra pinch of salt and/or pepper, to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
*I tend to choose a pasta made with whole grains, beans, or legumes to make this meal more filling and satisfying to my tastebuds. We love Banza's chickpea pasta, Trader Joe's red lentil or quinoa and brown rice pasta, or any store-brand whole wheat pasta. Since you're making this recipe for just yourself, use whatever you love!
To make this meal even more substantial for one person, 1/2 cup of leftover cooked chicken, salmon, or even cannellini beans or chickpeas make a great addition! In this case, increase salt, pepper, and garlic powder, since you're now seasoning these, too!
To make this meal even more substantial for one person, 1/2 cup of leftover cooked chicken, salmon, or even cannellini beans or chickpeas make a great addition! In this case, increase salt, pepper, and garlic powder, since you're now seasoning these, too!