Active Time

　　20 minutes

　　Total Time

　　20 minutes

　　What do people want from boxed mac and cheese? More cheese! This D.I.Y. version is extra cheesy but just as easy. Plus you can make it with any shape pasta you choose.

　　

Ingredients

4-6 servings

　　1 pound dried short pasta, such as macaroni, penne, or fusilli

　　Kosher salt

　　1 1/4 cups whole or low-fat milk

　　1 cup cheddar cheese powder (see Cooks' Note)

　　1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces

　　

Step 1

Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until just al dente. Meanwhile, whisk milk and cheese powder in a medium bowl.

　　

Step 2

Drain pasta and return to pot. Heat over low. Add butter and stir until melted and evenly coated, about 2 minutes. Add milk mixture and cook, stirring, until pasta is well coated and sauce thickens, 3–5 minutes. Taste and season with salt, if needed (some cheese powders will not require additional salt). Serve immediately.

　　Cooks' Note

　　Cheddar cheese powder can be purchased at specialty food stores and online. Organic and conventional options are available.