If there is one thing my children love and would eat daily it is macaroni and cheese. It has been a challenge to match that creamy macaroni and cheese we loved without paying an arm and a leg for a really good gluten-free version.
That is why I am SO EXCITED to share that we finally mastered an incredible one pot gluten-free macaroni and cheese recipe after MUCH trial and error in my kitchen. If you are looking for easy, affordable, minimal dishes, and a recipe that yields a lot than I have an incredible recipe for you!
As you can see, the pasta holds up to this recipe well, BUT this has been a lot of trial and error in my kitchen with many different pasta brands and types. It is VERY important that if you are attempting to make this dish that you choose the right pasta for the job.
No, this is not a sponsored post.
This is just a poor mom who has had many failed one-pot attempts before I was able to achieve the consistency that I was after.
THIS is the pasta– do not substitute. I have tried the elbows with the best results and the second best results are their rotini noodles.
You will find a video tutorial below to walk you through each of these steps (let me know what you think- feedback is always appreciated!) and the first step is to rinse the starches from your pasta before you cook it. It sounds strange, but you are doing exactly what you would do if you made rice to rinse those starches away and to create a fluffier consistency. After that, you add your milk and spices, then start stirring and YOU NEVER STOP.
You know how Dory has to keep swimming? Yeah, you have to KEEP STIRRING while you make this because the pasta will release those starches and it will create the thickening agent needed to make that milk thick and creamy. I used skim milk and still had a plenty thick enough sauce for our macaroni and cheese.
The finishing touch is, of course, the cheese! If you feel inclined, freshly shredded is lovely. Let’s just say, I’m not inclined on a busy weeknight so packaged stuff it is.
I hope you love this recipe as much as my family and I can’t wait to hear what you think. Since I have made this, we have it in our weekly rotation for a satisfying bowl of comfort food.
Check Out My One-Pot Gluten-Free Video Tutorial Below!
One-Pot Gluten-Free Macaroni and Cheese
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 6
This easy one-pot gluten-free macaroni needs to go on your weekly rotation for an easy comfort food dish that has all the flavor without the gluten. You won’t believe how easy this is to do!
- One Pot Gluten-Free Macaroni & Cheese
- 3 cups gluten-free elbow macaroni (see my tips above for best brands and types)
- 3 cups milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon dried mustard
- Pinch of Cayenne Pepper
- 1 1/2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- Pour uncooked dried pasta into colander and rinse the pasta well to remove some of the starches. Place the drained pasta in a pot with milk and seasonings. Turn heat on medium-high and stir, just as you would a risotto, until the pasta mixture comes to a simmer. Once it is simmering, turn the heat to low and continue stirring and cooking for another 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is fully cooked. You may need to add a small amount of additional milk during this process if it absorbs too quickly. Finish by folding in your freshly shredded cheese until it is fully incorporated. You can also add additional milk, if needed, to thin out the sauce. Serve immediately.
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