Best Mac and Cheese Recipe for Two is gooey, rich, creamy ultimate comfort food using just 6 ingredients. This dish makes two generous-sized main dish portions.
Why I love this recipe
This is one of my favorite small batch recipes. I love the look and texture of Cavatappi pasta but any pasta works excellently in this classic mac.
Need something to go with it? Try this Raspberry Chocolate Freezer Cake or this Strawberry Cobbler.

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Ingredients
(amounts are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of the post)
dry pasta
unsalted butter
shredded cheese
heavy whipping cream (or whole milk)
egg
Velveeta cheese
Substitutions and Additions
You can use any pasta like elbow macaroni, or any of the different pasta shapes.
Use a mixture of your favorite melty cheeses like sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, white cheddar, American cheese, pepper jack, or any combination of cheese.
Try adding in a sprinkle of onion powder, garlic powder, mustard powder, or even cayenne pepper to this homemade baked macaroni.
If you like a crispy topping, add a sprinkle of bread crumbs, or crushed Ritz crackers, and parmesan cheese to the top before baking.
Equipment used for this recipe
- cutting board
- large sauce pan
- mixing bowl
- two 18.6 ounce oven safe dishes (or an 8×8 casserole dish)
How to make Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Step 1 – On a cutting board, dice the Velveeta into small cubes.
Step 2 – Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium heat. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt. Add the uncooked pasta and cook for 8 – 10 minutes until al dente. Drain the water off the pasta and return it to the cooking pot.
Step 3 – Stir the butter into the pasta until melted.

Step 4 – Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 5 – In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and heavy cream.
Step 6 – Add the heavy cream mixture, 1 cup of pre-shredded cheese, and the Velveeta pieces to the cooked pasta. Mix it all together and season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Step 7 – Pour the creamy cheese sauce and pasta mixture, divided evenly, into two 18.6-ounce oven-safe baking dishes sprayed with non-stick cooking spray (or an 8×8). Sprinkle the tops with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.

Step 8 – Bake for 30 – 35 minutes until heated, golden brown, and bubbling around the edges.

Pro Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 – 4 days.
Recipe FAQs
The best cheeses for the ultimate mac are the ones that melt the easiest. I prefer a mixture of Cheddar Jack cheese and Velveeta cheese.
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Best Mac and Cheese Recipe for Two
Best Mac and Cheese Recipe for Two is gooey, rich, creamy ultimate comfort food using just 6 ingredients. This dish makes two generous-sized main dish portions.
Ingredients
- 6 ounces of dry pasta
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar Jack cheese
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or whole milk)
- 1 egg
- 4 ounces cubed Velveeta cheese
- Optional - salt and black pepper
Instructions
- On a cutting board, dice the Velveeta into small cubes.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium heat. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt. Add the uncooked pasta and cook for 8 – 10 minutes until al dente. Drain the water off the pasta and return it to the cooking pot.
- Stir the butter into the pasta until melted.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and heavy cream.
- Add the heavy cream mixture, 1 cup of pre-shredded cheese, and the Velveeta pieces to the cooked pasta. Mix it all together and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
- Pour the creamy cheese sauce and pasta mixture, divided evenly, into two 18.6 ounce oven-safe baking dishes sprayed with non-stick spray (or an 8x8). Sprinkle the tops with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
- Bake for 30 – 35 minutes until heated, golden brown, and bubbling around the edges.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 - 4 days.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate I may make a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase through product links in this post.
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Progressive Prep Solutions Cutting Board, Juice Grooves, Dishwasher Safe, Measures 17.38" X 11.25"
-
Farberware Glide Nonstick Sauce Pan/Saucepan with Straining and Lid, 3 Quart, Black
-
Zulay Kitchen 3-Piece Plastic Mixing Bowls With Handles & Non Slip Bottom
-
Corningware French White III 18.6-Ounce Appetizer Dish
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1431Total Fat: 103gSaturated Fat: 62gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 29gCholesterol: 401mgSodium: 1850mgCarbohydrates: 77gFiber: 3gSugar: 11gProtein: 50g
Nutrition information is a guideline only, is calculated automatically by third party software, and absolute accuracy is not guaranteed.

I’m Zona. My husband and I are empty-nesters and parents of 1 adult son. I have a passion for recipes and I share all the tips, tricks, and resources I can find (or create) to help you cook for two.
Helena
Saturday 19th of February 2022
I’ve made this recipe several times, always a winner and perfect for 2 as a side dish for 2 meals. Truly awesome!
BH
Thursday 1st of April 2021
That was far too much for two people!