Go Back
–+ servings
mac and cheese in a bowl

Quick and Easy One-Pot Mac and Cheese

This simple, stove-top mac and cheese comes together in minutes with bold Caribbean flavor, aged white cheddar, and no oven time. A childhood favorite in Trinidad and Tobago, this no-fuss recipe is creamy, comforting, and perfect with a splash of pepper sauce or stew gravy on top.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Caribbean Classics, Chris's Kitchen, Comfort Food, Easy Caribbean Recipes, Fall Recipes, Rice & One-Pot, Seasonal Recipes, Weeknight Dinners, Winter Recipes
Cuisine: Trinidadian
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb bucatini pasta
  • 1/2 lb sharp white cheddar grated
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup evaporated milk warmed
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Optional
  • pepper sauce to taste
  • jalapeño gouda for extra kick
  • butter as a substitute for mayo

Method
 

  1. Cook the bucatini in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
    Raw pasta added to boiling water
  2. While the pasta cooks, grate the white cheddar and set aside. Tip: chilling the cheese for 10–15 minutes in the freezer makes grating easier.
    Shredded cheese in a bowl
  3. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it but do not rinse. Return the empty pot to the stovetop (with the burner turned off) and immediately add the drained pasta back in.
    Drained pasta still in pot
  4. Sprinkle in the black pepper, then stir in the grated cheese, mayonnaise, and warmed evaporated milk. Mix thoroughly to melt the cheese and create a creamy sauce.
    Drained pasta with black pepper
  5. Add pepper sauce if desired and mix well. Taste and adjust salt to your preference. You may substitute butter for mayonnaise if preferred.
    shredded cheeese sprinkled on pasta
  6. Serve immediately. Enjoy plain or topped with your favorite stew gravy or even a few drops of ketchup or sliced boiled eggs, island-style.
    mac and cheese in a bowl

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!