I’ll be the first to admit it — store-bought macaroni and cheese is surprisingly satisfying considering how little time and money it takes to make. That being said, that fluorescent orange cheese powder can get old after a while. This recipe combines the convenience of Easy Mac with the magic of fresh cheese: it only takes 3 ingredients, a coffee mug and a microwave, and it’s a solid, healthier substitute for your favorite processed mac ‘n’ cheese product.

Easy

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 1

Ingredients:
1/3 cup pasta
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (I mixed shredded swiss and parmesan as well)
Optional: 1/2 tablespoon butter or margarine

Directions:
1. Combine pasta and water in large mug or bowl.

Photo by Alex Weiner

2. Microwave pasta in 1-minute intervals, stirring after each minute to check noodle consistency.  The water should be absorbed and the noodles should be soft after about 4 minutes of this.

Photo by Alex Weiner

3. Add in cheese and milk, and stir. (Optional: add melted butter here to make your mac slightly creamier.)

Photo by Alex Weiner

4. Put pasta back in microwave for 1 minute, stir thoroughly, and enjoy!

Photo by Alex Weiner