When the craving for creamy, cheesy pasta hits, but you’re cooking just for yourself, the idea of making a huge batch can feel overwhelming. That’s where this One Serving Of Pasta recipe comes to the rescue! This isn’t just any pasta dish; we’re talking about a luscious, homemade single serving macaroni and cheese, crafted from scratch in just one pot right on your stovetop. Forget boxed mixes and embrace the ease of creating a perfectly portioned, utterly satisfying pasta meal designed for one (or a cozy dinner for two).
A grey bowl of homemade macaroni and cheese for a single serving, presented on a wooden board next to a linen cloth and a bowl of breadcrumbs, all on a clean white countertop.
It might seem ironic for a blog known for family-sized feasts to feature a single serving recipe. But let’s be real – sometimes, all you need is a comforting bowl of mac and cheese, perfectly sized for you. Life happens! There are days when you need a little self-care in the form of cheesy pasta. Perhaps it’s a late-night craving when you’re out of those instant mac and cheese boxes. Or maybe, after hosting a dinner party and feeding everyone else, you find yourself hungry late at night with no leftovers to indulge in.
Sound familiar?
The ultimate solution, in many cases, is a quick and comforting pasta dish. While I adore whipping up a classic cacio e pepe or a rich bucatini carbonara, this single serving mac and cheese recipe stands out as the absolute easiest and quickest choice for satisfying that pasta craving. Let’s get cooking and create this perfect portion of pasta!
The Perfect Pasta Portion for Any Occasion
This recipe has been a go-to of mine since my days in culinary school, a true testament to its reliability and deliciousness. It was my faithful companion during late-night study sessions and those post-college-outing hunger pangs at 2 AM. It’s been there through thick and thin (breakups included – you know the feeling!). This single serving pasta recipe is consistently comforting and I’m confident it will become a staple for you too.
Here’s why this one serving of pasta is a winner:
- Minimalist Cooking: It requires just one pot and is entirely cooked on the stovetop, minimizing cleanup and maximizing ease.
- Pantry-Friendly: You can adapt this recipe using practically any cheese and pasta you have readily available in your kitchen.
- Effortless Enjoyment: Feel free to eat it straight from the pot – skip the extra dishes and savor every cheesy bite.
- Homemade Goodness: It’s a completely from-scratch, incredibly cheesy, and remarkably easy pasta dish.
Simple Ingredients for Your Single Serving Pasta
You’ll be surprised at how few pantry staples you need to create this comforting one serving of pasta:
- Pasta: Opt for pasta shapes with nooks and crannies designed to capture that luscious cheese sauce. Shells, elbow macaroni, cavatappi, and rotini are all excellent choices.
- Unsalted Butter: Butter is crucial for flavor and provides the essential fat needed to create a rich, thick cheese sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: We’ll whisk flour with melted butter to form a roux, the foundation for a smooth and creamy cheese sauce.
- Spices: Customize your mac and cheese with your favorite spices! I personally love the combination of garlic powder, paprika, and mustard powder for a classic flavor profile.
- Milk: Whole milk is ideal for the creamiest, most decadent mac and cheese. However, any milk you have on hand will work in a pinch.
- Cheese: My go-to cheese combination is sharp cheddar for its amazing meltability and Parmesan for its intense flavor. This is also a practical choice as these are cheeses I typically keep stocked. Feel free to use any cheese that melts well (see suggestions below!).
Let’s Make This Delicious One Serving Pasta!
A collage of six photos showing the step-by-step process of making single serving macaroni and cheese. Photo 1: Cooked pasta being held over a pot with a wooden spoon. Photo 2: A hand whisking roux in a saucepan. Photo 3: Milk being poured into the roux while whisking. Photo 4: Bechamel sauce being whisked in the saucepan. Photo 5: Cheese being added to the sauce. Photo 6: Pasta being mixed into the cheese sauce.
Follow these simple steps to create your perfect one serving of pasta:
- Boil & Drain the Pasta: Cook your chosen pasta until it reaches al dente – tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Drain the pasta thoroughly and return the pot to the stovetop.
- Create the Roux: Melt the butter in the same pot over medium heat. Add the flour and your selected spices. Whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and forms a roux.
- Make the Bechamel Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue stirring until the sauce slightly thickens to a béchamel consistency.
- Melt in the Cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat before adding the cheese. Whisk in the grated cheese until you achieve a smooth, velvety cheese sauce.
- Combine and Enjoy: Gently fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated in gooey goodness. Serve immediately and savor your homemade one serving pasta dish!
Pro-Tip for Extra Creamy Sauce: To prevent a grainy cheese sauce, always use freshly grated cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains preservatives that can hinder smooth melting. Also, remember to take the pan off the heat before incorporating the cheese. Excessive heat can cause the cheese to curdle and become grainy.
Elevate Your One Serving Pasta: Delicious Add-Ins
Want to take your single serving mac and cheese to the next level? Try incorporating these delicious add-ins! It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover ingredients in your refrigerator and customize your pasta to your liking.
- Protein Boost: Add leftover cooked bacon, diced ham, shredded chicken, crumbled sausage, or ground beef for a heartier meal.
- Veggie Power: Stir in steamed broccoli florets, sautéed onions, frozen peas (thawed), or diced jalapeños for a flavorful and nutritious boost.
- Saucy Twists: Experiment with a dash of Sriracha for a spicy kick or a spoonful of basil lemon pesto for fresh, herbaceous notes.
- Crunchy Toppings: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or extra grated cheese on top and broil for a crispy, golden crust. Or, for added texture and flavor, try crispy frizzled onions.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Single Serving Pasta
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta is key! It should have a slight bite to prevent your mac and cheese from becoming mushy.
- Bake it for Extra Indulgence: For a baked mac and cheese experience, transfer the pasta to a greased, oven-safe dish. Top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, if desired. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Cheese Variety is the Spice of Life: Mix and match different cheeses for a more complex flavor profile and interesting textures.
- Seasoning is Essential: Taste your cheese sauce before adding the pasta. Different cheeses have varying salt levels, so adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.
- Easily Double for Two: To make a quick and easy mac and cheese for two, simply double all the ingredient quantities. It’s a frequent go-to for a simple and satisfying dinner for two!
Choosing the Best Cheese for Your Pasta
The beauty of this one serving pasta recipe is its versatility – you can use a wide array of cheeses! My personal favorite combination remains sharp cheddar and Parmesan due to their incredible flavor and consistent availability in my fridge. Here are some excellent cheese options to consider:
- Cheddar: A mac and cheese classic for a reason! It offers the ideal balance of meltability and that recognizable cheddar flavor. Always a solid choice.
- Parmesan: Adds a wonderful salty, umami depth to the cheese sauce. A must-have for enhancing the overall flavor.
- Gruyère: This cheese melts beautifully and imparts a delightful nutty flavor, elevating your mac and cheese to gourmet levels.
- Gouda: For an exceptionally creamy mac and cheese, Gouda is your answer. Try smoked Gouda for an even more intense flavor dimension.
- Fontina: Another fantastic option, Fontina is known for its buttery, nutty notes that will complement your single serving pasta perfectly.
Important Reminder: Freshly grated cheese is non-negotiable for the best results. Pre-shredded cheese can lead to a flavorless sauce with an undesirable gritty texture. Take the minute to grate your cheese – the difference in quality is significant!
Storing Leftover Mac and Cheese (If You Have Any!)
While this one serving pasta is truly best enjoyed fresh from the pot, life happens, and you might have leftovers. Here’s how to store them:
- Storage: Transfer any leftover mac and cheese to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Microwave the leftover mac and cheese for about a minute, or until heated through. To prevent dryness, add a tiny splash of milk while reheating to restore its creamy consistency.
A grey bowl of single serving macaroni and cheese accompanied by a glass of white wine, placed on a wooden board with a beige linen cloth, all on a bright white table.
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5 from 3 votes
Single Serving Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Yield: 1 serving
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Make this comforting single serving pasta dish whenever a mac and cheese craving strikes! It’s the perfect solution when you want just one delicious bowl without the fuss of a large batch. Made in a single pot on the stovetop, this homemade macaroni and cheese is incredibly easy, wonderfully creamy, and perfectly portioned for one (or a cozy two).
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pasta, small shapes with ridges or curves work best (elbows, shells, rotini)
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup freshly grated cheese (sharp cheddar and Parmesan recommended)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional add-ins: breadcrumbs, cooked bacon, broccoli, onions, etc.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
Instructions
- Fill a medium saucepan with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, following package directions. Drain the pasta and return the empty pot to the stove.
- Melt the butter in the saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and spices, whisking constantly to create a smooth roux.
- Gradually whisk the milk into the roux. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the freshly grated cheese until completely smooth. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and additional spices as needed.
- Gently fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring it’s fully coated. At this point, stir in any desired add-ins such as cooked bacon or broccoli. Serve immediately and enjoy straight from the pot.
- For baked mac and cheese, spoon the pasta into a greased, oven-safe dish. Sprinkle additional cheese and breadcrumbs over the top and broil on high heat for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
Recipe Notes
Spice it Up: Feel free to experiment with different spices. Cayenne pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of nutmeg are all delicious additions. Freshly Grated Cheese is Key: Pre-shredded cheese can result in a grainy sauce. For the best texture and flavor, grate your cheese fresh. Perfect for Two: Easily double this recipe to make mac and cheese for two people. Taste and Season: Always taste the cheese sauce before adding pasta and adjust salt levels as needed, as different cheeses vary in saltiness.
Cuisine: American
Course: Main Course
Author: Sara Lynn Hunt Broka
Serving: 1 serving, Calories: 459kcal, Carbohydrates: 39.4g, Protein: 16.7g, Fat: 25.7g, Saturated Fat: 15.5g, Cholesterol: 72mg, Sodium: 305mg, Potassium: 296mg, Fiber: 1.7g, Sugar: 8.1g, Calcium: 347mg, Iron: 1mg
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Originally posted on March 31, 2023.
Main Meals
originally published on Mar 31, 2023 (last updated Aug 15, 2024)
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