Mac & Cheese for One

Making mac and cheese for one person is easy, and it requires just one pot! The key to success is making sure all of your ingredients are prepped and ready before you begin, as everything moves pretty quickly. Also, be sure to use a delicious sharp Cheddar for this recipe so that your mac and cheese delivers all of that delicious cheesy flavor.

recipe photo of Mac & Cheese for One
Photo: Sara Haas
Active Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
15 mins
Servings:
1

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon panko breadcrumbs, preferably whole-wheat

  • cup whole-wheat elbow macaroni

  • 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour

  • ¼ cup nonfat milk

  • 2 tablespoons shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

  • teaspoon salt

  • teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

  1. Coat the bottom of a small saucepan with cooking spray; heat over medium heat. Add panko; cook, stirring often, until golden, 30 to 45 seconds. Transfer to a plate. Let the pot cool slightly, then wipe it clean.

  2. Add 2 cups water to the pot; bring to a boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain the pasta; transfer to a bowl and cover to keep warm. Wipe out the pot.

  3. Heat oil in the pot over medium heat. Stir in flour; cook, whisking constantly, until golden and toasty, 30 to 45 seconds. Gradually whisk in milk; cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce simmers and thickens, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheese, salt, Worcestershire and garlic powder. Stir in the pasta. Top with the toasted breadcrumbs just before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

276 Calories
11g Fat
34g Carbs
11g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 1
Calories 276
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 34g 12%
Dietary Fiber 4g 14%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 11g 22%
Total Fat 11g 14%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 15mg 5%
Vitamin A 301IU 6%
Vitamin D 32IU 8%
Vitamin E 1mg 4%
Folate 15mcg 4%
Sodium 418mg 18%
Calcium 193mg 15%
Iron 2mg 11%
Magnesium 12mg 3%
Potassium 119mg 3%
Zinc 1mg 9%
Vitamin B12 1mcg 42%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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