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Easy 5-Ingredient Microwave Mug Mac and Cheese: Perfect Quick Lunch

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This easy 5-ingredient microwave mug mac and cheese is the perfect quick lunch or late-night snack. It’s creamy, cheesy, and ready in under 5 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup elbow macaroni
  • ½ cup water
  • ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Add pasta and water to your mug. Place ½ cup of elbow macaroni in a microwave-safe mug. Pour in ½ cup of water. Make sure the water covers the pasta completely. Give it a quick stir to ensure the pasta isn’t stuck together at the bottom.
  2. Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high power for 2 minutes. Keep an eye on it—if it looks like it might bubble over, pause the microwave for a few seconds. After 2 minutes, the pasta should be mostly tender but still a little firm in the center.
  3. Stir and microwave again. Carefully remove the mug (it will be hot!) and give the pasta a good stir. Return it to the microwave and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, or until the pasta is fully cooked and most of the water has been absorbed. The exact time depends on your microwave. You want the pasta to be tender but not mushy.
  4. Add the butter, milk, and cheese. Once the pasta is cooked, do not drain any remaining water—just let it absorb. Immediately add 1 tablespoon of butter, 2 tablespoons of milk, and ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir vigorously until the butter is melted and the cheese is fully incorporated. The residual heat will melt everything into a creamy sauce.
  5. Season and serve. Add a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Stir one more time. Let it sit for 30 seconds to thicken up slightly. Then grab a spoon and enjoy it straight from the mug!

Notes

For best texture, use freshly shredded cheese. If sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk. If too thin, let sit for a minute to thicken. Do not overcook pasta; it will continue to cook after microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: microwave mac and cheese, mug mac and cheese, quick mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, 5 ingredient mac and cheese, single serving mac and cheese

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/easy-5-ingredient-microwave-mug-mac-and-cheese-perfect-quick-lunch/