Name: Easy One Pot Mac & Cheese
Ingredients: 5 1/2 cups water; 2 1/2 cups elbow shaped pasta; 1 1/2 cup grated cheese blend; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder

This recipe is for 12 month old baby & up

Ok guys, this Easy One Pot Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that all babies, toddlers, kids and adults love! It’s creamy, cheesy, and satisfying while being simple to make with minimal cleanup. The beauty of a one-pot recipe is that everything, from cooking the pasta to melting the cheese happens in a single pot, making it an easy go-to meal for busy parents. This toddler and kid-friendly version of mac and cheese is not only delicious but also healthier than store-bought options, as you control the ingredients, avoiding unnecessary preservatives, excess sodium, and artificial flavors. It’s so easy and simple to make, once you try it you will never want to buy store bought, boxed mac and cheese ever again!

Children love mac and cheese because it’s creamy, rich, and comforting. It can be served for a quick lunch or dinner, with a side of steamed veggies or some fruit. For parents, making a healthy, homemade version can ensure that their little ones get a nutritious meal. A one-pot recipe takes the hassle out of the traditional multi-step process, allowing you to quickly prepare a wholesome meal in under 20 minutes. One-pot mac and cheese is also versatile, you can sneak in extra nutrients by adding veggies like broccoli, peas, etc. to boost fiber content. Plus, you avoid the extra work of boiling the pasta separately or using multiple dishes, making cleanup a breeze.

Tips for success:

I recommend grating at least two different types of cheeses, I chose sharp white cheddar and an aged yellow cheddar, but you can do a nice blend of whatever you prefer. The most popular are cheddar, white cheddar, gruyere, fontina and a little parmesan, grating cheese makes a HUGE difference than pre packaged grated cheese.
I recommend using mini elbows as a pasta shape

Substitutions:

Semolina Pasta- You can substitute with a gluten-free pasta alternative, like red lentil, chickpea or brown rice pasta.

Heavy Cream- For dairy-free option you can substitute with full-fat canned coconut milk

Cheeses- For dairy-free option you can substitute with plant based cheese options

If you enjoyed this recipe, you should check these out:

Spinach Ricotta Pasta

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

Avocado Pesto Pasta