I made this for Tanner when I was fed up with trying to come up with another inspiring new dinner idea, wanted to make something in like 5 minutes max, and didn’t have any Annie’s mac-n-cheese in my cupboards.

I looked through my fridge and played I Spy….when I spotted all kinds of cheese and thought like a drunk college student for a minute….ah ha, mac-n-cheese, of course!

The best part? When you pre-cook the noodles ahead of time, this recipe literally, I kid you not, takes under 2 minutes. Yep. #truth

Because, some nights, whether you’re a full-time working mama or full-time stay-at-home mama (because we all know that IS a real job…), we are just too tired and too busy to whip up a roasted chicken with colorful, broiled veggies with a reduction sauce made for hours with TLC (Sorry, Great Grandma, this isn’t the 50s and we say – I just can’t deal with that during the work week). But, if someone has time to make one, please feel free to deliver…

• 1/4 cup pre-cooked whole wheat, gluten-free, or any pasta noodles of choice, in any shape! (like, make these the night before so this recipe will literally take you under 2 minutes!)
• 2 tablespoons whipped cream cheese (or use a dairy-free whipped “cream cheese”)
• 2 tablespoons organic cheddar cheese or any cheese blend, shredded (if you’re making this for you instead of your toddler, try adding goat cheese. If you need it to be dairy-free, use a shredded “cheese”)
• 2 tablespoons organic whole milk (dairy-free? use unsweetened almond, cashew, or hemp milk)
• Optional: sneak in all kinds of veggies and/or protein like peas, broccoli, asparagus, brussels sprouts, bacon, chicken, ham turkey, etc.

1. In a small saucepan, add cooked noodles and warm pan + noodles (no oil or butter needed, unless you want to add some; I’d recommend ghee or avocado oil).
2. When noodles have warmed slightly, add cream cheese and stir.
3. Add in milk, adding more if you need to make it creamier.
4. Add shredded cheese and stir until a creamy “sauce” is made.
5. Optional: add salt and pepper to taste; top with chives and parsley!
6. Serve immediately and enjoy when cooled off enough for those little tastebuds!