One-Pot Macaroni and Cheese with Sharp Cheddar and Smoked Paprika
A creamy, comforting pasta dish cooked entirely in one pot with a smoky paprika kick, featuring tender elbow macaroni coated in a velvety cheese sauce. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, butter, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water (add 1 tsp salt) to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Return the pot to medium heat and melt 2 tbsp butter. Whisk in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until golden, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk until smooth, then add 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon (about 3-4 minutes).
- Step 4: Add the drained macaroni to the pot and stir until evenly coated. Cook for 1 minute more to heat through, then serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Macaroni and Cheese with Sharp Cheddar and Smoked Paprika take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Macaroni and Cheese with Sharp Cheddar and Smoked Paprika?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep elbow macaroni from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Macaroni and Cheese with Sharp Cheddar and Smoked Paprika?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Macaroni and Cheese with Sharp Cheddar and Smoked Paprika for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Macaroni and Cheese with Sharp Cheddar and Smoked Paprika?
American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My family devoured this! So creamy and flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Cooked in one pot as promised, but took 25 minutes instead of 20.
- ★★★★☆
The macaroni was perfect, but I think the smoked paprika was a bit too strong for my kids.
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