This creamy, ooey-gooey mug of cheesy macaroni requires only 3 ingredients, is ready in mere microwavable minutes… and will mac your belly soooo happy. 

It’s perfect in a pinch and is scrumptiously satiating. The cheese provides protein and calcium, and I encourage you to sneak in extra nutrition by choosing a whole grain or legume-based pasta or by adding small, chopped veggies into the mix. Flavor it up with spices, herbs, hot sauce and various types of cheese—or keep it plain and simple. All ways lead to MAC-nificence!

Try this Omelet in a Mug!

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Mug Mac & Cheese

This creamy, ooey-gooey mug of cheesy macaroni requires only 3 ingredients, is ready in mere microwavable minutes… and will mac your belly soooo happy. 
Servings: 1 serving
Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 4 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
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Ingredients
 

  • ½ cup small elbow macaroni or rotini/chickpea pasta*
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Optional 1 to 2 teaspoons parmesan cheese
  • *Rotini – after 3 ½ minutes in microwave, carefully remove mug, add an additional tablespoon of water, stir and microwave for another 1 minute
  • *Banza Elbows – after 3 ½ minutes in microwave, carefully remove mug, add an additional tablespoon of water, stir and microwave for 30 more seconds

Instructions
 

  • Mist the inside of an extra-large (20oz) mug with oil spray. Add the pasta and water. Place the mug on a microwave-safe plate or inside a large mixing bowl (this is important because there will be water overflow as the pasta cooks and this ensures the water will neatly spill onto the plate or bowl versus making a mess in the microwave)—and microwave for 3 ½ to 4 minutes.
  • Carefully remove the mug, test a piece of pasta and if it’s too al dente for your liking, stir it up and place the mug back in the microwave for another 30 seconds or so.
  • Immediately add in the cheese (while the pasta is still very hot) and mix until it becomes all melty and gooey. Enjoy!

Notes

Nutrition provided using chickpea pasta.
Author: Joy Bauer, MS, RDN, CDN

Nutrition Information per serving

Calories: 370Carbohydrates: 34gProtein: 29gTotal Fat: 15g— Unsaturated Fat: 8g— Saturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 400mgFiber: 5gTotal Sugar: 2g— Natural Sugar: 2g— Added Sugar: 0g
Nutrition information is calculated using a leading industry software. That being said, brands can vary, and there may be slight fluctuations in the numbers.
I’m hoping you loved this recipe! If you made it and want to share feedback, I’d be so grateful to hear from you. Please leave a review below or tag @joybauer on Instagram!