Gluten Free Stovetop Mac & Cheese

Good old-fashioned mac and cheese is one of my family’s favorite comfort foods. It’s such an easy stovetop recipe to cook up on a busy weeknight. And I especially love this gluten free macaroni and cheese recipe, since it only requires 6 ingredients and less than 25 minutes!

Like any mac and cheese recipe, creamy and cheesy is the name of the game. I pop the gluten-free pasta on the stove in one pot, get the sauce going in a pan, and by the time the pasta is finished boiling, I have the deliciously flavorful cheese sauce ready to go! Everything comes together super quickly and you can store leftovers for kid-friendly lunches.

A Quick & Easy Gluten Free Mac and Cheese Recipe

When it comes to family dinners, it doesn’t get much easier or tastier than this stovetop mac and cheese! If it’s not already obvious, here’s why you’ll love it…

• Better than a box. Nothing tops the creaminess of a homemade cheese sauce. The flavor and texture just can’t be beat by a packet of powdered mix.
• Quick and simple. Just a handful of ingredients, and a quick cheese sauce that comes together faster than it takes to boil the pasta. The total time is less than 25 minutes!
• No flour needed. Since it’s thickened with cornstarch instead of flour or a roux, it’s easily gluten free. The only actual swap you have to make is buying a box of gluten free pasta. Easy peasy!

What You’ll Need

The most epic gluten free mac and cheese you’ll ever make is just 6 ingredients away! Here’s an overview of what you’ll need. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full amounts and detailed instructions.

• Gluten Free Elbow Macaroni: For a classic mac and cheese recipe, you can’t beat macaroni noodles or elbow pasta. And my go-to brand for it is Barilla Gluten Free Elbows. Gluten free penne, rigatoni, and shells are also great runners-up! A rice-only pasta is not recommended as it is more delicate.
• Milk: 2% or whole milk is recommended for the richest texture and flavor.
• Cornstarch: For thickening without flour.
• Dry Mustard: I like to add this to enhance the cheesy flavor.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: I love a sharp cheddar because it adds bold flavor and creaminess without needing multiple cheeses! However, you can replace about 1/2 cup with something more melty like gruyere, fontina, mozzarella, or even Monterey Jack.
• Salt

How to Make Gluten Free Mac and Cheese

You have your handful of ingredients, now here’s how to make this delicious and creamy stovetop mac and cheese in under 25 minutes!

• Cook the Pasta: First, boil the macaroni al dente according to the package instructions.
• Start the Sauce: To make the sauce, whisk together the milk, cornstarch, dry mustard, and salt, and simmer the mixture in a saucepan.
• Add the Cheese: Lower the heat and add in the cheddar a little at a time. Make sure to give it a good stir!

• Assemble the Mac N Cheese: Drain the macaroni noodles and then combine them in the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir everything well and then serve right away.

Tips for Success

• Salt the Pasta Water: Generously salt the pasta water before you boil it for the best, well-seasoned pasta noodles. 
• Rinse the Pasta: After the pasta is cooked al dente, I often give it a rinse with cold water to stop it from overcooking. This is especially important with gluten free pasta, as it can easily get mushy and fall apart. Combine it with the hot cheese sauce right afterwards for the best results.
• Skip the Pre-Shredded Cheese: You definitely want to shred the cheese yourself. Bagged pre-shredded cheese usually contains starches to prevent clumping in the package, but this can affect the smoothness of your sauce and make it grainy.
• Add Cheese Slowly: You want to stir in the cheese a little at a time and let it melt fully after each addition. Otherwise, it can clump, curdle, or turn grainy. And don’t let it boil, as this can also make it turn grainy.
• Keep Stirring: Make sure you’re stirring continuously throughout this recipe, both while preparing the sauce and once it’s added to the pasta!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

• Fridge – Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat – Portions can be reheated on the stovetop again or in the microwave with a spoonful of milk added to help revive the cheese sauce.

Can I Freeze Gluten Free Macaroni and Cheese?

Gluten free pasta does tend to become a little mushy after freezing and thawing. It’s still super tasty! This is just the nature of gluten free noodles. 

This stovetop mac and cheese can be frozen altogether or in individual portions for quick thawing and reheating. Allow the macaroni and cheese to cool completely, and then store it tightly wrapped or in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge and then reheat as usual.

Add-In Ideas

Oh, the places this simple stovetop mac and cheese recipe will take you! Every time I make this macaroni and cheese, I think of all the ways it can be dressed up with other ingredients. Of course, this cheesy pasta is delicious all on its own. However, if you’re looking for add-ins, there are easy and delicious options: 

• Cooked ground beef or shredded chicken, diced bacon or ham (try this easy Bacon and Chicken Mac and Cheese!)
• Sautéed mushrooms or spinach
• Chopped broccoli, carrots or other veggies
• Basil pesto or tapenade
• Fresh chilis or red chili flakes
• Caramelized onions
• Fresh herbs

Make it a Meal

I love making a meal of this easy pasta recipe by pairing it with one or more sides. Here are some suggestions on what to serve with mac and cheese:

• Kid-friendly meal. Just add easy gluten free Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets and a side of steamed or Roasted Broccoli.
• Southern comfort. A perfect combo when you make Air Fryer Gluten Free Fried Chicken and some Gluten-Free Cornbread
• Make something saucy. Accompany your gluten-free mac and cheese dinner with BBQ Turkey Meatballs and Gluten Free Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls.
• Add other sides. This mac and cheese is delicious with your favorite main and veggies like Honey Dijon Peas and Carrots or crispy Air Fryer Green Beans, or a grown-up Easy Greek Salad.

More Gluten Free Pasta Dishes to Try

• Fettuccine Pumpkin Cauliflower Alfredo
• Bolognese Sauce with Pasta
• Italian Noodle Casserole
• Gluten-Free Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon and Chicken
• Cold Sesame Peanut Zucchini Noodles
• Penne with Tomato Cream Sauce