Description
A rich and creamy mac and cheese recipe that delivers comfort in every bite. Follow these 5 simple steps to create a cheesy, irresistible dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
▢1 pound mozzarella cheese Get a block from the deli; it’s harder, cheaper, and easier to shred than the softer packaged balls.
▢1 pound Colby Jack cheese
▢8 ounces sharp cheddar yellow preferred
▢1 pound cavatappi pasta
▢1 teaspoon garlic powder
▢1 teaspoon smoked paprika
▢1 teaspoon coarse salt
▢½ teaspoon ground black pepper
▢3 tablespoons salted butter
▢3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
▢1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
▢2 cups heavy cream
▢1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
▢fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Shred 1 pound of mozzarella, 1 pound of Colby Jack, and 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese. Toss together in a large bowl, then divide the mixture in half, placing half in a separate bowl.
- Cook 1 pound of cavatappi pasta in salted water until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, smoked paprika, and coarse salt, plus ½ teaspoon ground black pepper.
- Melt 3 tablespoons of salted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in half of the seasoning blend. Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, whisking constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture bubbles.
- Slowly pour in a 12-ounce can of evaporated milk, whisking until the mixture thickens and bubbles in the center. Add 2 cups of heavy cream, the remaining seasoning, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Continue whisking until thickened.
- Gradually add half of the shredded cheese mixture to the skillet, stirring until completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
- Spoon half of the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking pan. Sprinkle with a third of the remaining cheese. Add the rest of the pasta, then top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. For a golden, bubbly top, broil for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or top with breadcrumbs and bake for 15 minutes at 350°F.
- Prep Time: PT10M
- Cook Time: PT20M
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg