Simple Macaroni and Cheese Recipe | Easy Mac & Cheese Pasta by Habanero
Easy Macaroni and Cheese Recipe (Creamy & Ready in 30 Minutes)
There are two kinds of days in life. The ones where you wake up all productive and think, “Let’s have salad!” And then… there are the real ones, the days when you just need cheese. The kind that melts your worries away.
That’s when our old, loyal friend,macaroni and cheese-shows up like a cozy blanket in food form. You know that feeling when the spoon hits that creamy, cheesy goodness, and suddenly, life doesn’t feel that complicated anymore?
This easy macaroni and cheese recipe is perfect for anyone. even if your cooking experience is basically boiling Maggi on a Sunday.
It’s rich, creamy, and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for lazy evenings, mid-week blues, heartbreak recoveries, or when your brain says “no” but your stomach says “cheese.”
By the end of this, you’ll not only know how to make easy macaroni, but you’ll also have your new “everything’s fine now” comfort recipe. the one that makes Mondays bearable and Fridays even better.
Ingredients for Easy Macaroni and Cheese
Alright, apron up! Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy, dreamy macaroni and cheese. nothing fancy, just the good old comfort-food essentials:
For the pasta:
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Macaroni – 250g (classic elbow pasta, but any short pasta will do)
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Salt – for the boiling water
For the sauce:
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Butter – 2 tablespoons
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All-purpose flour (maida) – 2 tablespoons
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Milk – 2 cups (warm)
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Cheddar cheese – 1½ cups, grated (or mix cheddar + mozzarella for extra stretch)
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Salt and pepper – to taste
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A pinch of nutmeg (optional) – gives that subtle flavor
For the topping :
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Breadcrumbs – ½ cup
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Butter – 1 tablespoon, melted
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Extra cheese – a handful (because, why not?)
How to Make Macaroni and Cheese at Home? (Step-by-Step Process)
Okay, deep breath. It’s time to turn those simple ingredients into the ultimate cheesy hug in a bowl.
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your macaroni and cook it just until al dente (a.k.a. slightly firm to the bite). Don’t overcook. It’ll get softer later when baked in the sauce. Drain it and set aside.
Step 2: Make the roux or the sauce base
In a saucepan, melt the butter on medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about a minute , it’ll look like a paste and smell a bit nutty. That’s your cue it’s ready.
Step 3: Add the milk
Now, pour in the warm milk slowly, whisking all the way so there are no lumps. Let it bubble gently until it thickens to a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 4: Add cheese
Turn off the heat, then stir in the grated cheese. Watch it melt into that silky, glossy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
Step 5: Combine and bake (optional)
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and mix until every piece is coated in cheesy goodness.
If you want it baked, transfer to a greased oven dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs and extra cheese on top, and bake at 180°C for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Easy Macaroni and Cheese Variations and Tips
Now that you’ve nailed the classic mac and cheese, let’s have a little fun with it. Because honestly, half the joy of cooking is making it your own.
1. Add a crunch on top
Want that cafe-style crisp top? Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over before baking. You’ll get that perfect golden crust that makes everyone go “ooooh.”
2. Mix up the cheeses
Don’t stop at cheddar! Try mozzarella for stretch, gouda for smokiness, or parmesan for that salty kick. A mix of 2–3 cheeses is instant flavor upgrade.
3. Sneak in veggies (guilt-free comfort)
Toss in steamed broccoli, peas, or corn. they blend beautifully and add some color (and crunch) to your bowl.
4. Make it spicy
Add a tiny spoon of Habanero hot sauce or a few chopped jalapenos. That little kick against the creamy cheese? Perfection.
5. Go protein-packed
Fold in cooked chicken, crispy bacon, or paneer cubes to make it more filling. Perfect for lazy weeknight dinners when you need something hearty.
6. No oven? No problem.
You can totally skip the baking. just cook it on the stove till the sauce thickens and serve hot. Still just as delicious.
Mac and cheese is basically a blank canvas. creamy, cheesy, and waiting for your twist. So whether you keep it old-school or experiment with our Habanero sauces, it’s always a winner.
Why This is the Best Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe?
Whether it’s a lazy Sunday brunch, a midweek mood-lifter, or that late-night craving that hits out of nowhere, this easy macaroni recipe will always deliver. Every spoonful is soft, cheesy, and rich enough to make you forget whatever chaos the day threw at you.
And here’s the secret ingredient to make it extra special. Habanero’s Creamy Pasta Sauce. It’s smooth, velvety, and adds just the right punch of flavor that takes your mac and cheese pasta from “good” to “oh-my-goodness-this-is-amazing.”
So next time that craving hits, forget those boxed ones. Just toss in your pasta, swirl in some Habanero Creamy Pasta Sauce, and watch it turn all glossy, cheesy, and too good to share.
It’s the kind of meal that makes you slow down for a second, not because it’s fancy, but because it feels… right. Warm bowl, rich sauce, a little peace after a long day.
Looking for more comfort food ideas? Try our Easy White Sauce Pasta, Chilli Garlic Sauce, Creamy Mushroom Pasta
