Description
Tini’s Mac and Cheese is a decadent and creamy baked pasta dish loaded with a blend of three cheeses and a hint of smoky spices. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering, this comforting mac and cheese recipe will surely become a favorite.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Cheese Mix:
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 pound Colby Jack cheese (shredded)
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (yellow preferred, shredded)
Other Ingredients:
- 1 pound cavatappi pasta
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/2 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 the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Prepare cheese: Shred mozzarella, Colby Jack, and sharp cheddar cheese. Toss together and separate half into another bowl.
- Cook pasta: Cook cavatappi pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare seasoning mix: Combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Make cheese sauce: Melt butter in a skillet, add half of the seasoning mix. Add flour, whisk, then pour in evaporated milk and heavy cream. Stir in mustard.
- Add cheese: Gradually add half of the cheese mix to the sauce, stirring until melted.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Mix cooked pasta with cheese sauce. Transfer half to a baking pan, layer with cheese, add remaining pasta, and top with the rest of the cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, then broil for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Garnish: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
