So... Chuck was craving mac & cheese this week, so I thought I would try out this stovetop method I found online.  It was super easy- akin to boxed mac & cheese.
Out of laziness I used some American cheese that was in the fridge because I didn't have any cheddar.  Bad idea.  I thought using American would be fine... not gourmet, for sure, but fine.  It was icky, though.  Gummy and tasteless. 
I think the method would work if I had used nicer cheese, though.  I'll try it again some time when I want mac & cheese quickly.  If I have more time, though, Ina Garten's baked mac & cheese is fabulous- I made it for Tim's birthday party and it was a hit.  I used panko bread crumbs as the topping, and omitted the tomatoes- awesome.