Macaroni and Cheese for Two

Perfectly portioned for an intimate dinner or cozy date night, this "Macaroni and Cheese for Two" recipe delivers creamy, cheesy comfort in every bite. Made with tender elbow macaroni blanketed in a velvety sauce of sharp cheddar and Parmesan, this dish balances bold flavor with a luxurious texture. A quick homemade roux forms the base of the rich cheese sauce, while an optional breadcrumb topping adds a satisfyingly golden crunch if broiled to perfection. Ready in just 30 minutes, this small-batch mac and cheese is ideal for those seeking a hearty, indulgent meal without leftovers. Whether you're cooking for yourself and a loved one or simply craving a scaled-down version of a classic, this recipe is your go-to for homemade decadence!

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 1 cup Elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Milk
• 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 1 teaspoon Olive oil or melted butter (optional, for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a smooth roux.

Step 3

Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 3–4 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until completely melted and smooth.

Step 5

Season the cheese sauce with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.

Step 6

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 7

For a crispy topping (optional), preheat your broiler to high. Transfer the mac and cheese to two oven-safe bowls or ramekins. Mix the breadcrumbs with the olive oil or melted butter, and sprinkle over the mac and cheese. Broil for 2–3 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.

Step 8

Serve immediately and enjoy your indulgent macaroni and cheese for two!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	530.8 grams (530.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1357

Total Fat 74.70g	96%
Saturated Fat 42.70g	214%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.90g
Cholesterol 218mg	73%
Sodium 1830mg	80%
Total Carbohydrate 115.10g	42%
Dietary Fiber 4.70g	17%
Total Sugars 16.70g
Protein 57.90g	116%

Vitamin D 136IU	679%
Calcium 1236mg	95%
Iron 6mg	32%
Potassium 552mg	12%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.3%

Protein: 17.0%

Carbs: 33.7%