Quick, Essential Stovetop Mac-and-Cheese

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Bring a small-to-medium pot of very well-salted water to a boil and add your dried pasta. Cook it until firm tender, then drain.

Step 2

Return pot to stove and melt butter in the bottom. Using a spoon or whisk, add flour and mix until it disappears. Add milk, a tiny splash at a time, stirring constantly so no lumps form.

Step 3

Season with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and many grinds of black pepper. Bring sauce to a simmer. Cook, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 4

Remove from heat and stir in grated cheese until combined. Add drained pasta, stir to evenly coat.