Easy Cheap RV Mac and Cheese Skillet Dinner (One-Pan, 15-Minute Meal)
Creamy, comforting, and budget-friendly – this stovetop mac and cheese is the ultimate RV dinner.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Servings: 4–6
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any small pasta)
- 2 cups milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thicker sauce)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Optional: leftover grilled chicken, sausage, or veggies
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In a large skillet or pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. If using flour, whisk it in and cook for 1 minute to make a roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta back to the skillet and stir until evenly coated in the cheese sauce. If adding leftover grilled chicken, sausage, or veggies, stir them in now and heat through.
- Serve: Enjoy hot, straight from the skillet!
Tips & Troubleshooting
- Add smoky flavor: If you have leftover grilled chicken or sausage from a charcoal or gas grill, chop it up and stir it in. The smoky char adds incredible depth to the creamy pasta.
- Prevent grainy sauce: Use low heat when melting the cheese and stir continuously to avoid separating the sauce.
- Make it extra creamy: Use half-and-half instead of milk, or add a spoonful of cream cheese for a richer texture.
- Customize the cheese: Try a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, or Gouda for different flavor profiles.
- Add veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed mushrooms for a more balanced meal.
Variations
- Spicy mac and cheese: Add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños for a kick.
- BBQ chicken mac: Stir in shredded grilled chicken and a drizzle of BBQ sauce. Top with crispy onions.
- Bacon mac and cheese: Add crispy bacon bits and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky, savory flavor.
- Healthy veggie mac: Mix in steamed broccoli, peas, and carrots. Use whole-wheat pasta and reduce the cheese for a lighter option.
- Taco mac: Add taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and top with salsa and crushed tortilla chips.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits – that’s normal!
To reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.
Freezer-friendly: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop for a quick meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use any type of pasta?
- Yes – shells, rotini, penne, or even spaghetti work great. Just adjust the cooking time based on the package instructions.
- Can I make this dairy-free?
- Yes – use dairy-free butter, milk (like oat or almond), and vegan cheese. The texture may vary, but it’s still delicious.
- How do I keep the sauce creamy?
- Use low heat when melting the cheese and stir continuously. Adding a little extra milk when reheating helps restore the creaminess.
- Can I add meat to this dish?
- Absolutely – leftover grilled chicken, sausage, bacon, or even ground beef are great additions. Stir them in at the end to heat through.
- What’s the best way to add smoky flavor?
- Use smoked paprika, add leftover grilled meat, or stir in a dash of liquid smoke. Grilled chicken from a charcoal grill is a fantastic option!
