Stovetop macaroni and cheese

Cook 1 cup of macaroni per package instructions. This is typically something like: fill a pot 3/4 up with water and bring it to a boil. Add macaroni noodles and bring the water back to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to keep the water simmering and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until the noodles are tender.

Drain the pasta in a colander or strainer. While the pasta is draining, return the empty pot to the stove and turn the heat under the pot to medium.

Add a tablespoon of butter and when the butter is melted and bubbling, add 1 tablespoon of flour. Stir until no dry flour is visible and cook the flour and butter for 1 more minute. 

Pour in 3/4 cup of milk and stir well. Bring the milk to a boil and reduce the heat until the liquid is just simmering. 

Once simmering, add garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper. 

Add cheese, a handful at a time and stir until that cheese is melty before adding another handful. Continue until all of the cheese is melty and the sauce is smooth. 

Pour the drained macaroni noodles back into the pot with the cheese sauce and stir until all noodles are coated with cheese. 

Serve immediately.