Description
Tini’s Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy delight featuring a blend of mozzarella, Colby Jack, and sharp cheddar cheeses over cavatappi pasta, creating the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound mozzarella cheese
1 pound Colby Jack cheese
8 ounces sharp cheddar
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).
- Cook the cavatappi pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until combined.
- Slowly add the mozzarella, Colby Jack, and sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Fold the cooked cavatappi pasta into the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding cooked bacon or breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Tini's Mac and Cheese, mac and cheese, comfort food, pasta recipes, cheesy pasta