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Easy Microwave Mug Mac and Cheese: Perfect 5-Minute Dinner

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This easy microwave mug mac and cheese delivers creamy, satisfying pasta in five minutes flat. No gummy textures, no dried-out noodles—just honest, cheesy comfort that tastes like you put in more effort than you actually did.

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup (60g) elbow macaroni
  • Water (enough to cover pasta)
  • 1 tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) whole milk
  • ⅓ cup (40g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: garlic powder, smoked paprika, or mustard powder

Instructions

  1. Add pasta and water to the mug. Place the ½ cup of elbow macaroni in your microwave-safe mug. Pour in enough cold water to cover the pasta by about one inch. Don’t fill the mug more than two-thirds full. Add the ¼ teaspoon of salt directly to the water.
  2. Microwave the pasta for 2 minutes on high. Place the mug on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a paper towel. Microwave on high power for 2 minutes. The water should be boiling vigorously, and the pasta will be partially cooked but still firm in the center. If your microwave is particularly powerful (1200 watts or more), reduce this to 1 minute 45 seconds.
  3. Stir and microwave another 1 minute 30 seconds. Carefully remove the mug using an oven mitt. Stir the pasta with a fork to redistribute it. Microwave for another 1 minute 30 seconds. The pasta should be al dente—tender but with a slight bite. If it’s still crunchy, microwave in 15-second increments until done.
  4. Drain the excess water. Hold the mug at an angle with the lid of the mug (or a fork) holding back the pasta, and carefully pour out the water into the sink. Leave about a tablespoon of water in the mug.
  5. Add butter and stir. Drop in the 1 tablespoon of butter while the pasta is still hot. Stir until it melts completely.
  6. Add milk and cream cheese. Pour in the 3 tablespoons of whole milk and add the 1 tablespoon of softened cream cheese. Stir vigorously until the cream cheese melts and the mixture looks creamy.
  7. Add shredded cheddar and seasonings. Sprinkle in the ⅓ cup of sharp cheddar cheese. Add your black pepper and any optional seasonings. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
  8. Microwave for 30 seconds (optional but recommended). Return the mug to the microwave and cook for 30 seconds on high. Watch it closely—if it starts to bubble over, stop immediately.
  9. Let it rest for 1 minute. Let the mug sit on the counter for one full minute. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
  10. Stir one final time and enjoy. Give it a good stir, check the seasoning, and dig in.

Notes

Shred your own cheese for best melting. Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before using. Adjust cooking time based on microwave wattage. For a crispy top, sprinkle extra cheese on top after step 8 and microwave for 15 seconds.

Nutrition

Keywords: microwave mac and cheese, mug mac and cheese, quick dinner, easy pasta, comfort food, 5-minute meal

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/easy-microwave-mug-mac-and-cheese-perfect-5-minute-dinner/