Microwave Mac & Cheese

Perfectly creamy microwave mac & cheese combines tender macaroni pasta, milk, butter, and lots of cheese. Skip the stovetop version - you’ll be amazed at how delicious this mac & cheese tastes when it only takes a few minutes!

Try it with chicken tenders, wings, air fryer chicken thighs, and roasted broccoli.

Jump to:

• 🥘 Ingredients
• 🧂 Substitutions & Additions
• 🔪 How To Make Microwave Mac and Cheese
• 💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes
• 🥡 Storing & Reheating
• 🥣 More Microwave Recipes You'll Love
• 📖 Recipe Card
• 💬 Comments & Reviews

This easy mac and cheese is much better than the processed, pre-made macaroni & cheese you get at the grocery store.

My recipe uses real cheddar cheese, whole milk, and butter, so it has that amazing homemade flavor.

Microwave mac & cheese is so incredibly delicious, and it’s ready in 7 minutes from start to finish.

🥘 Ingredients

Cream cheese is optional, but I think it’s the perfect way to take this mac & cheese to the next level of deliciousness. Add it to the cheddar to make it even cheesier!

• ½ cup uncooked Macaroni Pasta – Use elbow macaroni, shells, or your favorite short pasta noodle.
• ½ cup Water – This is the perfect amount of water to cook the pasta right in the microwave! (*see note)
• 1 pinch each, Salt & Pepper – Or add the salt & pepper according to taste.
• ¼ cup Milk – I recommend using whole milk for this recipe, but you can use your favorite milk or milk alternative (*see note).
• ½ cup Cheddar Cheese – Grate your cheddar cheese for the creamiest mac & cheese! (*see note)
• 1 tablespoon Butter – Salted or unsalted butter works great in this recipe.
• 1 tablespoon Cream Cheese (optional) – About 1 ounce of cream cheese. While optional, I highly recommend using it because adding cream cheese makes this recipe so creamy.
• Optional Seasonings – Add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, or your favorite Cajun seasoning for even more incredible flavor!

🧂 Substitutions & Additions

Mac & cheese is amazing, and it’s so versatile. Add your favorite mix-ins, toppings, or garnishes to make this mac your favorite.

• Veggies – Try chopped broccoli, spinach, roasted red pepper, or mushrooms for a quick and nutritious mac.
• Meats – Make this meal even more hearty and filling by adding sliced sausage, bacon bits, hot dogs, grilled chicken, shrimp, or chili.
• Toppings – Top your mac & cheese with buttery breadcrumbs or sauces like hot sauce, honey BBQ sauce, or even ketchup (don’t knock it ‘til you try it!).
• Extra Cheeses – Add in, top, or swap the cheese in this recipe for white cheddar, gouda, gruyere, swiss, or any of your favorite melting cheeses.
• Fresh Herbs – Garnish this fantastic mac & cheese with fresh parsley, thyme, chives, or green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor.

🔪 How To Make Microwave Mac and Cheese

This recipe using the microwave method makes this mac and cheese much easier. You can have amazingly creamy and rich mac & cheese in just minutes!

1. Cook pasta. In a large, microwave-safe bowl (with enough room for water to boil), combine ½ cup macaroni pasta, ½ cup water, and a pinch of salt. Then, microwave for 4 to 5 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
2. Mix in the rest of the ingredients. Once the pasta is al dente (i.e., firm to the bite), remove the bowl from the microwave and drain any excess water. Next, mix in ¼ cup of milk, ½ cup of cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon of butter, 1 pinch of pepper, and 1 tablespoon of cream cheese (if using). If using the optional seasonings, add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or Cajun seasoning. Then, stir the mac & cheese and return to the microwave.
3. Finish and serve. After adding the rest of the ingredients, microwave the mac & cheese for an additional 1 to 2 minutes or until all the cheese has melted. Then, mix well to combine and serve immediately.

💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes

• Richer Liquid Mix: Enhance the richness by mixing water with milk, half & half, or heavy cream. This makes the macaroni and cheese creamier.
• Pasta Choices: While classic elbow macaroni is ideal for quick cooking, use your favorite pasta type. See my post on the best pasta types. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Milk Varieties: Any type of milk works well in this recipe, whether it's 2%, whole, or milk alternatives like unsweetened soy or almond milk.
• Pre-Cooked Noodles Hack: Keep pre-cooked, frozen macaroni noodles for quick meals. Add frozen pasta directly to water, heat for 30 seconds, then drain and mix in the cheese.

🥡 Storing & Reheating

Since this is a single-serving dish, you probably won’t have leftovers! However, if you have leftovers, they’ll keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

To freeze, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. Let it thaw overnight or microwave it directly from frozen. (See my guide on freezing.)

Reheating

When you’re ready to reheat, just pop it in your microwave. Cover with a paper towel and microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until thoroughly warmed. (See my guide on reheating.)

🥣 More Microwave Recipes You'll Love

• Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge
• Popcorn
• Baked Potato
• Steam Broccoli in the Microwave
• Microwave Lemon Curd
• Scrambled Eggs

📖 Recipe Card