Open boxed mac and cheese and remove cheese packet
Boxed mac and cheese
Pour pasta into 2 qt or larger microwave-safe dish
Add 1 ¾ cups hot water and stir
1¾ Cups hot water
Place dish in microwave uncovered
Cook on high for 7 minutes, stirring with spoon every 3 minutes
If needed, cook up to an additional 3 minutes, checking every 30 seconds
Pasta is done when water is completely absorbed and pasta is tender
Remove from microwave
Add butter or margarine to pasta while still hot, allowing for melting
1-4 Tbsp Butter or margarine
Open cheese and add to pasta bowl, stirring to coat evenly
For creamier mac and cheese, add milk until desired consistency is reached (optional)
1-3 Tbsp Milk
Notes
This is based on Kraft box mac and cheese. Different brands such as Annies require about 1 minute longer cook time. Different shape pastas may also vary
I use 1 Tbsp butter and 1 Tbsp milk, but feel free to adjust to your preferences
Feel free to add some shredded cheddar cheese to melt for that extra gooey cheesiness if you like
Other boxed mac and cheese add in ideas: powdered ranch seasoning, vegetables (broccoli or peas are my favorite), parmesan cheese, toasted breadcrumbs, buffalo sauce and/or chicken, taco seasoning and/or ground beef, salt and pepper, or garlic powder