No-Bake Macaroni – Creamy, Cheesy, and Quick to the Table

This No-Bake Macaroni is comfort food made effortless. Skip the oven and enjoy a creamy, cheesy dish that comes together quickly on the stovetop. With tender pasta and a smooth, satisfying sauce, it delivers all the warmth and flavor of a baked macaroni casserole—without the extra time or cleanup. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving a cozy solo meal, this recipe brings ease and comfort to the table in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy and Satisfying – Rich cheese flavor without the heaviness.
Quick and Easy – No oven, no fuss, just simple stovetop cooking.
Pantry-Friendly – Uses everyday ingredients you likely already have.
Lighter by Design – Made with smart swaps to reduce calories but not taste.

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 1 cup low-fat milk
• ½ cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp light butter
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley or paprika for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce
In the same pot, melt the light butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

3. Stir in the Flavor
Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to thicken—about 3–4 minutes.

4. Add the Cheese and Yogurt
Reduce heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar until melted, then gently fold in the Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.

5. Combine and Serve
Return the cooked pasta to the pot and stir to coat evenly in the sauce. Serve warm, garnished with parsley or a sprinkle of paprika if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 240
Protein: 12g
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Sugar: 4g
Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Aim for just al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when stirred with the sauce.
• Use Freshly Shredded Cheese – It melts better and gives a smoother finish than pre-shredded.
• Adjust Thickness – Add a splash more milk if the sauce gets too thick after mixing.
• Boost the Veggies – Stir in steamed broccoli or peas for extra nutrients and color.

Why This Recipe Works

This no-bake macaroni dish brings classic comfort with lighter, mindful ingredients. The Greek yogurt adds richness without the fat, while the stovetop method keeps prep and cleanup easy. It’s everything you want in a mac and cheese—fast, flavorful, and satisfying.

No-Bake Macaroni is your answer to quick comfort food that doesn’t compromise. Creamy, cheesy, and ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a weeknight winner or a lunchbox favorite that delivers flavor and simplicity in every bite.