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.
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.
![](http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2805/10702892115_3b06b3e9fc_b.jpg)
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.
![](http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3788/10702950334_a87f6cc764_b.jpg)
Photo by Alex Weiner
3. Add in cheese and milk, and stir. (Optional: add melted butter here to make your mac slightly creamier.)
![](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5512/10702972226_8a134a943e_b.jpg)
Photo by Alex Weiner
4. Put pasta back in microwave for 1 minute, stir thoroughly, and enjoy!
![](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5471/10702974466_66d5651bc1_b.jpg)
Photo by Alex Weiner