According to The Kitchn, cooking your noodles in milk instead of water makes the sauce creamy before you even add the cheese sauce. The starches in the noodles get released as you cook them, helping to thicken the mixture from the start. That will ultimately help with the resulting creaminess.
15 Best Substitutes for Milk in Mac and Cheese
Can you use spoiled milk in mac and cheese?
In order to make mac and cheese without milk use either cream cheese or butter and melted cheese. Most recipes use whole milk and even flour for the cheese sauce. Either whip cream or cheese sauce should give you enough creaminess without having to use milk.
Also, keep in mind that because mac and cheese is typically rich and calorie-laden, you should enjoy it in moderation and limit your serving size to no more than 1 cup (approximately 150–250 grams) per serving. There are several ways to lower the calorie count of your mac and cheese, as well as make it healthier.
What is the recommended serving size for mac and cheese?