This is the creamiest stovetop macaroni and cheese recipe ever! It is good on it’s own or stir in some ham for a simple family pleasing dinner.
This macaroni and cheese is comfort food at it’s finest. It is quick to put together and makes the creamiest macaroni and cheese you’ve ever had.
In the time it takes to boil the noodles, you can throw together the sauce and chop the ham. Then all you have to do is toss it together and dinner is served.
If your family is anything like mine, creamy and cheesy are crowd pleasing words and this recipe is sure to get two thumbs up.
Macaroni and cheese is a staple at our dinner table. We love it in all of its forms.
Sometimes it is the boxed stuff with the powdered cheese. Lately we have been on a kick of making no boil baked macaroni and cheese.
That recipe is super simple and can quickly be thrown in the oven along with whatever else you are making. It really doesn’t get much easier.
We also really love making shells and cheese in the instant pot. That is another easy and delicious side dish that is loaded with cheesy goodness.
But I know not everyone has an instant pot. Luckily lack of an appliance doesn’t have to keep you from good food.
We have been enjoying this yummy stovetop recipe for five or six years now and it doesn’t disappoint. It is easy. It is beyond creamy. It is super good.
Generally we toss in some diced ham to make an easy meal out of it. Making it the entrée instead of a side dish means you can take an extra big helping after all!
Of course, you can make it without the ham and serve it as a side as well. Maybe with some chicken or even some braised pork chops.
But when I am in a hurry, I like to throw as much as I can into that one pot. It makes cooking it so much easier, not to mention fewer dishes!
This is not a recipe that you want to break out the extra sharp cheddar for. It is too strong and will overpower you.
You want to think a nice mild cheese. I’ve used Colby, co-jack or a mix of mozzarella and something else.
And be sure to head the warning about tasting before salting. There is plenty of salt in the ingredients and you don’t want to overdo it.
Ok. So break out the pot and get to work. Your family will thank you!
Creamy Stovetop Mac & Cheese
This is the creamiest stovetop macaroni and cheese recipe ever! It is good on it's own or stir in some ham for a simple family pleasing dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 oz box pasta*
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 8 oz shredded cheese*
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1.5 cups ham, cubed
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until it is al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in the cream of chicken soup.
- Add cheese, a little at a time. Stir until smooth and then add more until all cheese has been added.
- Stir in milk until incorporated. Stir in sour cream, pasta and ham until completely coated.
- Put on your comfy pants, fill up a big old bowl and get a spoon. This is going to be good!
Notes
For the creamiest mac and cheese, use a 12 ounce box of pasta.
However, we have used a 16 ounce box several times with great
results.
A mild melting cheese is great for this recipe. Co-jack or
Monterey Jack work great. We also like a mix of half mozzarella
and half cheddar. We find using all sharp cheddar to be too strong
in this recipe.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please view my disclosure page for more information.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 326Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 745mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 16g
All nutritional information is estimated and will depend on the exact ingredients you use.
Andrea Nine
Friday 18th of December 2020
OK, funny story, one night this week I did not feel like cooking because I’ve been doing it so much so I went to Chick-fil-A and decided to get Mr. Nine the mac & cheese because I heard it was delicious and it was but I said to him, you know I can make it way better, lol! AND with your recipe I think I definitely can! Have a great weekend my friend!
Carlee
Saturday 9th of January 2021
To funny! There are so many great ways to make mac and cheese, it's almost endless!
Brenda Sue
Tuesday 18th of September 2018
This sounds delicious! I am going to try this version tonight and add some diced steamed broccoli and cauliflower to make it a complete meal.
Carlee
Wednesday 19th of September 2018
That is a great idea! I hope you enjoy =)
Val
Monday 17th of April 2017
This does sound very creamy! My kids love mac and cheese and I love to throw a meat into it to make in more of a complete meal. Thanks for linking up to the Easter Leftover Makeover Blog Party!
Carlee
Wednesday 19th of September 2018
It is the creamiest we've ever tried and so good!
Amy
Tuesday 7th of February 2017
Very clever! Cream base soup,makes this nice and creamy. Ham and cheese, is perfect! Thanks for the great recipe. This beat regular mac and cheese hands down.
Carlee
Thursday 9th of February 2017
Thank you! It is definitely the creamiest we've ever had and soooo good!
Shirley
Sunday 25th of September 2016
This sounds like a good recipe for leftover ham after Thanksgiving! So glad you party with us at Merry Monday so we get these good recipes!
Carlee
Monday 26th of September 2016
It is a great way to use up some leftovers!